Foods which can interfere with the healing process, such as fast foods, sodas, refined carbohydrates and alcohol, should be avoided. Taking extra supplements of calcium, magnesium, vitamin D and multivitamins can not only speed up the healing, but also can strengthen the bones. Whole grains, meats, dairy products are beneficial for you. If you want to speed up rib fracture healing time, eat plenty of vegetables and fresh fruits to provide your body with the nutrients and minerals that are essential for healing. Your body needs adequate nutrition in order to recover from the injury. The best way is to sleep upright in a supine position with your back supported against pillows. Sleeping in a prone position and sideways will put excessive strain on the ribs, which will slow down the healing process. Your sleeping position has a profound effect on healing. Holding a pillow against the chest while coughing and sneezing can help reduce the pain. Besides, you should keep yourself from lifting heavy objects. Similarly, strenuous household activities and exercises should be avoided. Sudden and extreme movements of the body, like bending over or sideways, should be avoided for the first few weeks after injury since it can slow down the healing process. Kids should not be given aspirin as it can lead to Reye’s syndrome. However, excessive use of NSAIDs should be avoided as they are associated with certain side effects like stomach and kidney problems. NSAIDs can keep you comfortable and help you return to the daily activities quickly. These help lessen the pain and inflammation caused by a rib fracture. The commonly available over-the-counter pain medications include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and aspirin. Cover the ice pack with a thin cloth before applying it so as to avoid the complications of frostbite. 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.

Displaced ribs treatment