Discomfort In The Right Side Of The Rib Cage After Hitting Ribs During Go Karting

Posted on Fri, 13 May 2011

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 13 May 2011 Answered on

Mon, 21 May 2012 Last reviewed on

Question : 9 days ago I was racing go carts and hit the wall. The seat was forced into my rib cage. No visable bruising & my ribs feel fine. However, I am experiencing discomfort on the right side of my rib cage, both front & back side and the discomfort doesn't seem to be getting better after 9 day. I'm most uncomfortable when sitting or in bed sleeping. And at times experience "tingles" on the front side of my rib cage. The same feeling you have when your leg "falls asleep".

Answered by Dr. Rhea Chanda (32 minutes later)

Hi XXXXXXX

Thanks for your query.

It seems to me that you may have had a fracture/dislocation of the rib/ribs.
Its often later in the recovery period that the pain starts esp due to other complications like trauma,cough etc.Lying down may cause more pain so i would advise a head high position.
But first i would suggest going to the ER so that a chest xray can be done to rule out fracture.Its essential that fracture be managed properly with the right support so as not to damage surrounding structures.
You may need a chest binder for support which you will be given if a fracture is seen.

Painkiller and anti inflammatories will be helpful.Try not to make sudden movements,jerks,cough etc to minimize pain.Breathing exercises will also help reduce the pain.Anytime you have breathlessness,see a doctor immediately.

I suggest you get that xray before all else.
Regards,

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar