


Besides, the pain nerve endings are inhibited by cold, which can alleviate the pain. That is because low temperature can cause the blood vessels to narrow, which will improve the inflammation. Use Ice PacksĪpplication of ice packs to the site of rib fracture for at least 20 minutes every hour is one of the best way to deal with a rib fracture, which can help relieve the pain and swelling. Other measures that can help speed up the healing process are listed below. During the entire period of recovery, taking enough rest, and avoiding sudden movements that may cause the ribs to displace or break again, are extremely important. Ways to Shorten Your Rib Fracture Healing TimeĪlthough the healing of rib fractures is quite slow, certain therapeutic measures can help enhance healing. Hormones: Certain hormones like thyroid hormones and growth hormone boost the healing process whereas others, like steroid hormones, hinder it.Comorbid diseases: Diseases like diabetes that lower the immunity may prolong the healing of rib fractures.Nutrition: Adequate nutrition helps the rib fractures heal more quickly. Enough protein and carbohydrates are necessary.Age: In young patients, rib fractures heal much faster as compared to older patients.Factors that affect the healing time include: Depending on the health status of the patient, the healing time varies from one patient to another. Rib fractures may take 6 weeks to 6 months to heal. Another less common cause of rib fractures is violent coughing, and such fractures often result from other underlying diseases like osteoporosis or cancer, which reduce the strength of the ribs. Direct blow to the ribs, such as that resulting from a fall or car accident, is the most common reason for rib fractures. A fractured rib refers to a break in one of the bones of the rib cage, or the break in the cartilage that forms the rib cage.
