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Is Ice Pack Advisable For Painful Ribs Caused Due To An Injury?
Hi, I would like to know if I should use ice or heat for an injury to my ribs. When I was leaving work earlier, I pushed open one of the doors to leave the building and at the same time one of the other doors flew open and slammed into my right ribs, just under my breast. Do you think I need to go to the emergency room?
posted on
Tue, 23 Feb 2016
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Fri, 11 Mar 2016
Answered on
Mon, 14 Mar 2016
Last reviewed on
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
For the initial injury, ice can be used to help numb the pain.
A cold compress can be applied 10 to 15 minutes, 2 to 3 times a day..
Most rib injuries are minor, if there is a fracture they are usually minor and heal on their own.
Wrapping the chest would not be helpful because it restricts lung movements and breathing.
The use of an anti inflammatory medications can also help eg ibuprofen, naproxen, cataflam.
I hope this helps
For the initial injury, ice can be used to help numb the pain.
A cold compress can be applied 10 to 15 minutes, 2 to 3 times a day..
Most rib injuries are minor, if there is a fracture they are usually minor and heal on their own.
Wrapping the chest would not be helpful because it restricts lung movements and breathing.
The use of an anti inflammatory medications can also help eg ibuprofen, naproxen, cataflam.
I hope this helps
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