How Long Do Broken Ribs Take To Heal?

Posted on Wed, 18 Jun 2014

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

Wed, 18 Jun 2014 Answered on

Tue, 8 Jul 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : How long can broken ribs take to heal?

Answered by Dr. Mukesh Chugh (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
It usually takes 8-10 week time to heal

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for posting
After going through your query carefully, it usually takes 8-10 week time for rib fracture to heal. To support fracture healing you may take balanced diet rich in calcium (1000mg/day) and vitamin D (1000 i.u. /day) along with vitaminB12, B6. Rib belt along with hot water fomentation helps to reduce pain and promote healing.
The low Bone mineral density may be improved by regular physical work out with balanced diet.
Hope this information suffices and I shall be glad to answer any further query.
Take care and wish you good health
Regards
Dr.chugh
http://bit.ly/drmchugh

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

Follow up: Dr. Mukesh Chugh (46 minutes later)

Due to my low bone density will it delay healing time then normal ?

Answered by Dr. Mukesh Chugh (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Ribs has rich blood supply,this helps bone healing

Detailed Answer:
Hi
It's good to see you
After going through the whole discussion, it’s true that low bone mineral density leads to increase risk of fracture and delay fracture healing. Having said that since rib's have rich blood supply they heal quickly as compare to long bones that is bone of thigh and leg.
I may assure you by taking balanced diet as discussed earlier, the ribs will unite quickly.
Take care and wishing you early recovery.
Dr.chugh

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