Suggest Treatment For Bruised Ribs And Lump On The Sternum

Posted on Mon, 23 Mar 2015

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

Mon, 23 Mar 2015 Answered on

Mon, 13 Apr 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi. Almost two weeks ago I fell in the pit at work (I am an auto service tech). I tried to catch myself and went down crooked and slammed my ribs on the safety rails. Went to the doc and diagnosed with bruised ribs. I went back to work next day and haven't missed. Started with strictly paperwork but as I started healing I got back into it. Had a tall truck come in a few days ago and struggled with an air filter, pushing my chest into the truck to get the cover back on. Since then, every time I move my ribs move separately. Also I have a sizable bump next to my sternum on the side I struck. I feel like maybe I have hurt it worse, should I go back to see a doc?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (20 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Can be due to torn muscle fibres.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
The bump on the side of the sternum can be due to a soft tissue injury or a hematoma formation. The feeling that the ribs are moving separately can be due to torn muscle fibers or a small fracture of the ribs. This needs proper rest for improvement. You need to take oral muscle relaxants round the clock. Using a chest belt will also help.
In case the pain is persistent and the lump is gradually increasing in size then do consult your physician for a physical examination.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal

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