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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suggest Treatment For Bruised Ribs After An Injury

My 80 year old mother fell and bruised her ribs badly last Thursday evening. The ER X-rayed them and said they weren t cracked, but the pain doesn t seem to be getting better and she s very worried. Is it normal to not feel much better for awhile or should we go back to the doctor? She s been taking a strong pain killer and she does okay when she s on it, but if it wears off it s a problem. Since it s been a week we were wondering what is normal. Thank you.
Tue, 30 Dec 2014
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi,
I understand your concern.
Even hair thin crack/ bruising / strong bump on ribs leads to un bearable pain in ribs- because they keep moving while breathing, more so in elderly patients -as their bones are weaker due to age.
- while treating such patient I usually advise for stabilizing the ribs by putting elastic adhesive bandage around chest for a few days. This allows respiration while supporting rib.
- NSAID drugs are to be given twice a day after food /ranitidine pills to avoid acidity in elderly people.
- Vitamin D injection along with calcium supplement help.
Thanks.
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Suggest Treatment For Bruised Ribs After An Injury

Hi, I understand your concern. Even hair thin crack/ bruising / strong bump on ribs leads to un bearable pain in ribs- because they keep moving while breathing, more so in elderly patients -as their bones are weaker due to age. - while treating such patient I usually advise for stabilizing the ribs by putting elastic adhesive bandage around chest for a few days. This allows respiration while supporting rib. - NSAID drugs are to be given twice a day after food /ranitidine pills to avoid acidity in elderly people. - Vitamin D injection along with calcium supplement help. Thanks.