TMBRA - Rider Board

[Murkona]

I crashed last Saturday and hit my rib pretty hard. Three days later it hurts worse than the day after. How can I tell if it's broken or just bruised? Could I have a bruised internal organ? How long for either a break or bruise to heal in a case like this?

Thanks

[Anonymous]

Hard to tell sometimes without Radiographs (X-Ray)...

I busted a rib riding north of Miami (Oleta State Park...SPLIPPERY Roots) two years ago...Only reason I found out was because my chin was split open too...I was teaching at the Ryder Trauma Center at the time. Since I worked with all of them, they X-Rayed me after my chin was sutured up.

Sore, ain't it?

[Murkona]

You got that right. It is sore and not feeling any less sore.

I think it's time to get the x-rays in case there is a break.


Thanks

[The Bike Doc]

Murkona:

It is likely you have some fracture (broken) ribs. Treatment is tincture of time. Unfortunately, it will take 6-8 weeks for the ribs to heal up before they will stop aching. X-rays will let you know if they are broken, the benefit of knowing they are broken is in planning your recovery time. If they are not broken, and only bruised you should be feeling better in 1-2 weeks. If they are broken, it will be 6-8 weeks before you should partake in any activities in which they could be easily reinjured. Have your physician check you out and get the rib films.

Thanks,
_________________
Paul K. Nolan, MD
AKA: The Bike Doc