Bruised or broken ribs can be very painful, but usually heal by themselves.
Symptoms of bruised or broken ribs
Broken or bruised ribs are usually caused by a fall, a blow to the chest or severe coughing.
Symptoms include:
- strong pain in your chest area, particularly when you breathe in or cough
- swelling or tenderness around the affected ribs
- sometimes bruising on the skin
- feeling or hearing a crack if it's a broken rib
Ribs cannot be easily splinted or supported like other bones, so they're usually left to heal naturally.
There's often no need for an X-ray.
How to treat broken or bruised ribs yourself
Broken or bruised ribs usually get better by themselves within 2 to 6 weeks.
There are things you can do to help ease pain and speed up healing.
Do
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use painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen gel (or ibuprofen tablets if needed)
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hold an ice pack (or a bag of frozen peas) wrapped in a tea towel to the affected ribs regularly in the first few days to bring down swelling
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rest and take time off work if you need to
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breathe normally and cough when you need to – this helps clear mucus from your lungs to prevent chest infections
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hold a pillow against your chest if you need to cough
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walk around and sometimes move your shoulders to help you breathe and clear mucus from your lungs
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regularly take slow, deep breaths to help clear your lungs
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try to sleep more upright for the first few nights
Don’t
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do not lie down or stay still for a long time
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do not strain yourself or lift heavy objects
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do not play any sports or do any exercise that makes your pain worse
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do not smoke
Urgent advice: Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if:
You have a broken or bruised rib and:
- your pain has not improved within a few weeks
- you're coughing up yellow or green mucus
- you have a very high temperature or feel hot and shivery
You might need stronger painkillers or have a chest infection that needs antibiotics.
You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.
Immediate action required: Call 999 or go to A&E if:
You have a broken or bruised rib and:
- your injury was caused by a serious accident, such as a car accident
- you have shortness of breath that's getting worse
- the chest pain is getting worse
- you have pain in your tummy or shoulder
- you're coughing up blood
It could mean a broken rib has damaged something else, like your lung, liver or spleen.
Do not drive to A&E. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.
Bring any medicines you take with you.
Page last reviewed: 10 January 2024
Next review due: 10 January 2027