The broken bones often cause severe pain, especially when they are located at the level of the ribs. The rib is part of the rib cage. It protects vital organs like the heart, lungs and large vessels inside the thorax. Se fracture a rib is certainly very painful, but is it possible to walk with a broken rib ? We will answer this question in this article.
When do we talk about a broken rib?
A broken rib is a fracture which occurs as a result of a crack in one or all of the rib cage. This consists of 12 pairs of ribs which protect the thorax. If a rib fracture can be benign, it can also cause intense pain, difficulty breathing, or even pneumopathy.
What are the common causes of a rib fracture?
In general, the break in a rib occurs following a violent blow to the chest or a fall. Older people who have osteoporosis are most likely to suffer from it. It must be remembered that theosteoporosis is characterized by the loss of bone density. A simple shock is then enough to break the bones. Likewise, a calcium deficiency weakens the bones and exposes them to breakage.
How to recognize a broken rib?
Apart from pain with the slightest movement, the break in a rib leads to breathing difficulties especially during deep breathing. It lasts several weeks. It causes complications related to the compression of the lungs.
What if I have a broken rib?
You will have to make a physical examination to accurately determine fractured ribs. The doctor detects by palpation the most sensitive areas of the chest. Treatment depends on the number of fractured ribs as well as its location.
It is recommended that the patient take painkillers and anti-inflammatories in order to reduce pain et prevent infections which can affect the lung.
Sometimes a surgical intervention may be necessary in order to repair fractured ribs.
Treatment and rehabilitation with physiotherapy then help the patient to resume daily habits.
Walking with a broken rib: is it possible?
If the lesions are not very serious and if the patient's condition allows it, it is possible to walk with a broken rib. However, you will have to be careful not to make too much effort. Intense exercise will force you to take deep breaths, which risks waking up the pain and, at worst, destabilizing the fracture.
The most important thing is to know how to listen to your body and follow the doctor's instructions. You should know that the consolidation of a broken rib takes 4 weeks. During this period, it will therefore be necessary to be vigilant and attentive to the injury.
What sport can you practice with a broken rib?
Although sport can help the patient in the healing process, it is always important to seek the advice of your doctor before doing any physical activity. The choice with regard to the frequency and the nature of the exercise varies according to the number of fractured rib. Among the recommended activities, you have these examples.
- The bike: it is a discipline that does not require any particular effort. To start, you have to train with an exercise bike in order to exercise flexibility. One can use the legs only to minimize the stress on the ribs.
- Swimming: the doctor recommends this discipline to relieve the patient. Sudden movements should be avoided as this could aggravate injuries. Hydrotherapy exercises can also be performed to speed healing.
- The brands : it helps to stimulate blood circulation and lubricate the joints. You can even take the opportunity to perform breathing exercises that promote optimal healing.
In short, it is possible to walk even if you have a broken rib, but keep in mind that bone consolidation will only be complete after 4 weeks. Stay mindful and listen to your body. If in doubt, it is best to consult a doctor or physiotherapist (physiotherapist).
What about natural remedies?
Although they are not supported by solid scientific evidence, several natural products and home remedies are used to speed healing following a rib fracture, especially for their anti-inflammatory properties.
Here is a non-exhaustive list of plants and essential oils that are effective in controlling pain and inflammation. The products are available on the site Country. Use promo code LOMBAFIT15 if you wish to obtain one of the following products, or any remedy aimed at relieving your symptoms and improving your quality of life:
- Turmeric. Thanks to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory powers very powerful, turmeric is one of the most used plants in a culinary and therapeutic context. The composition of turmeric is essentially made of essential oils, vitamins (B1, B2, B6, C, E, K) and trace elements. But it is to its composition rich in curcumin and curcuminoids that we owe them and calm skin of this spice.
- Ginger. In addition to the special flavor it brings to the kitchen and its aphrodisiac properties, ginger is a root well known for its anti-inflammatory powers. the gingerol gives it its anti-inflammatory action. It is an active component acting on the inflammatory pain related to chronic joint inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, rheumatic diseases, etc. It has been proven that this active element is also effective in acting on the inflammation linked to arthritis and sciatica. Ginger also has other benefits thanks to its high potassium content and its richness in trace elements (calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium) and vitamins (provitamin and vitamin B9).
- Omega-3s. Omega-3s are polyunsaturated fatty acids that play a very important role in the functioning of our body. They are provided by food in three natural forms: docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), alpha linolenic acid (ALA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Beyond their action on the brain and the cardiovascular system, omega-3s prove very effective against inflammation. Indeed, they have the ability to act on the inflammatory mechanisms in osteoarthritis by slowing down cartilage destruction, thus they reduce the intensity of osteoarthritis pain. Sciatica, being most often linked to an inflammation secondary to a herniated disc, it can also respond to omega-3 provided it is consumed regularly.
- Lemon eucalyptus. Eucalyptus is a plant most often used in the form of herbal tea or essential oil. She would have anti-inflammatory effects which give it the ability to act on the bone and joint pain in general and the pain of sciatica in particular.
- wintergreen. Wintergreen is a shrub from which a very interesting essential oil is extracted. It is one of the most used essential oils in aromatherapy. This oil extracted from the shrub bearing the same name, is used in massage to relieve sciatica and act like a analgesic. Indeed, it provides a heating effect thanks to its ability toactivate blood circulation locally.
References
https://www.lombafit.com/fracture-de-cote/
My name is Arotoky and I am studying human medicine. Web editor for more than 5 years, I currently focus on the theme of health and well-being. I have the strong conviction that with my valuable articles, I can help many people to relieve their ailments and feel better. My goal is to share my health knowledge with the general public through web writing.
