Rib fractures occur from chest trauma or a forceful impact on your ribs. Rib injuries are common after car accidents, falls or collisions. If you have strong pain in your chest area, specifically when you breathe, you may have broken and fractured ribs. The region around the affected ribs will also contain swelling, tenderness and bruising.
Most rib fractures heal on their own after 6 weeks but can be extremely painful and require medical attention for pain mitigation. A broken rib could puncture a lung or other tissue with its tiny, sharp pieces.
For this reason, it is important to get an expert opinion to prevent any future damage that can be detrimental to your health. If you or a loved one have or think you may have a broken rib, schedule an appointment with Wisconsin Medical Group today.
Symptoms of a Broken Rib Injury
Although broken rib injuries are relatively easy to identify, some cases may not present symptoms for days after the accident. The best option is to see a doctor regardless to help prevent possible further damage.
Common symptoms of fractured ribs you should look out for are:
- Chest pain while breathing
- Shortness of breath
- Tenderness, swelling or bruising around the rib
- Sensation of bones scraping other bones
- Pain/discomfort when moving body
- Pain when touching chest area
Our doctor diagnoses broken rib injuries through X-ray scans, CT scans or other tests.
Fractured Rib Pain Relief in Milwaukee
Rib fractures come with mild to extreme pain and often require some sort of medicine for pain relief. Pneumonia or even partial lung collapse can occur if a person does not breathe properly so it is crucial to manage your pain during a rib injury.
At WMG a board-certified medical doctor will analyze your situation and will get you the fractured rib pain relief solutions you need. You may be prescribed medication or breathing therapy to ensure a proper recovery unimpeded by pain.
Rib Fracture Recovery Time & Process
WMG analyzes your symptoms and will determine if you have a broken rib using a physical examination or an X-ray, if necessary. A broken rib is difficult for doctors to actively treat because of its location on the body.
Once diagnosed we will give a pain mitigation plan to expedite your fractured rib recovery time. We will be with you the whole way and respond quickly if any changes in your condition occur.
What Does Physical Therapy for Rib Fractures Involve?
Physical therapy for rib fractures typically consists of breathing exercises to prevent a collapsed lung or other breathing issues. Our physical therapists will guide you through deep breath exercises, diaphragmatic breathing and gentle chest stretches. It can take up to 12 weeks for a broken rib to heal.
Contact our Milwaukee Fractured Ribs Doctor
Broken rib injury treatments can eat into your bank account. You may also lose your wages or ability to earn while you are in recovery. Fortunately, accident victims with broken ribs can claim compensation from their negligent counterparts.
Our Milwaukee injury physicians have experience working with personal injury lawyers to get our patients the required remuneration. We are adept at keeping comprehensive medical records crucial to a legal claim case. If you, your client, or your loved one has suffered a broken rib injury from an auto accident, call our office today and schedule an appointment with our expert physicians.
Find a Physician for a Rib Injury in Southeast Wisconsin
Contact Wisconsin Medical Group today.
What do fractured ribs feel like?
Strong pain in your chest area, specifically when you breathe, are a common sign of fractured ribs. The region around the fractured ribs will also contain swelling and bruising.
Do fractured ribs heal on their own?
Most rib fractures are small cracks that will heal on their own.
How long is the recovery time for broken ribs?
Broken ribs typically heal on their own in about six weeks.