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Suggest Treatment For Bruised Ribs And Lump On The Sternum

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Posted on Mon, 13 Apr 2015
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?
doctor
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
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

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

Orthopaedic Surgeon

Practicing since :1994

Answered : 12314 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Bruised Ribs And Lump On The Sternum

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