Bruised and broken ribs usually follow a fall, a blow to the chest or, less often, severe coughing. They cause sharp pain when breathing in, coughing or moving, and they are treated the same way, because ribs cannot be put in a cast. Most heal by themselves within two to six weeks, and the priority is good pain relief so that you can breathe deeply and cough, which protects against chest infection.
Also known as rib fracture, cracked rib, rib injury
Anatomy: where the problem is
Front view of the rib cage. Highlighted in the diagram: ribs.
Symptoms
- Sharp pain in the chest wall, worse when breathing in deeply, coughing, sneezing or laughing
- Tenderness over one or more ribs
- Swelling or bruising over the area
- Pain when twisting, bending or lying on that side
- A cracking sensation at the time of injury in some cases
Causes and risk factors
- A fall, particularly in older people
- A blow to the chest in sport or a road collision
- Severe or prolonged coughing
- Osteoporosis, which makes ribs break more easily
- Repetitive sport such as rowing, which can cause a rib stress fracture
What the evidence says helps
- Bruised and broken ribs are managed in the same way and usually get better by themselves within two to six weeks.1
- Regular pain relief is the most important treatment, because it lets you breathe and cough normally. Shallow breathing and avoiding coughing raise the risk of a chest infection.1
- Ribs cannot easily be splinted or supported like other bones, so they are left to heal naturally. Strapping or tightly bandaging the chest is not advised, because it restricts breathing.
- Some people are at higher risk of complications and need a lower threshold for hospital assessment: people aged 65 and over, those with three or more broken ribs, and those with existing heart or lung disease.3
- X-rays do not show every rib fracture, and their main role is to look for complications such as a collapsed lung.2
Things you can try at home
- Take regular pain relief so that you can breathe deeply: ask a pharmacist what is suitable
- Take ten slow, deep breaths every hour while awake
- Hold a pillow against your chest when you need to cough
- Hold an ice pack wrapped in a towel on the area for short spells in the first few days
- Keep gently mobile, and sleep more upright for the first few nights
- Do not strap the chest, do not smoke, and avoid heavy lifting until the pain has settled
When to get urgent help
Contact your GP urgently, call NHS 111, or call 999 in an emergency if you have:
- Shortness of breath that is getting worse: call 999
- Chest pain that is getting worse, or that spreads to the arm, neck or jaw: call 999
- Coughing up blood: call 999
- Pain in the tummy or the tip of the shoulder after a chest injury: call 999
- A high temperature, or coughing up yellow or green mucus: call NHS 111
- Pain that has not started to improve after a few weeks: see your GP
How Apollo can help
Rib injuries heal with time, so in the early weeks our role is to check for signs that need medical attention, make sure your pain is well enough controlled to breathe properly and advise on positions, sleep and activity. We do not apply pressure or manipulation over an injured rib. As it heals, we help with the stiffness in the upper back and shoulder that often follows guarded movement, and guide your return to work, exercise and sport. If you broke a rib from a minor fall, we may suggest asking your GP about a bone health check.
No GP referral needed. Clinics in Sheringham, Coltishall and Norwich.
Related reading
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my rib is broken or just bruised?
It is hard to tell, and it usually does not matter, because both are treated in the same way and heal in a similar time. An X-ray is mainly used to check for complications, not to confirm the break.
How long do broken ribs take to heal?
Most get better within two to six weeks. The pain is usually worst in the first one to two weeks. Deep breathing and coughing should get steadily easier over that time.
Should I strap up my ribs?
No. Strapping or tight bandaging stops you breathing deeply and raises the risk of a chest infection. Good pain relief, deep breathing exercises and gentle movement are the recommended approach.
References
- NHS. Broken or bruised ribs. NHS website, accessed November 2026. View source
- Talbot BS, Gange CP, Chaturvedi A, Klionsky N, Hobbs SK, Chaturvedi A (2017). Traumatic Rib Injury: Patterns, Imaging Pitfalls, Complications, and Treatment. RadioGraphics 37:628-651. View source
- Battle CE, Hutchings H, Evans PA (2012). Risk factors that predict mortality in patients with blunt chest wall trauma: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Injury 43:8-17. View source
This page is general information, not a diagnosis or a substitute for medical advice. If you are worried about your symptoms, speak to your GP or a registered healthcare professional. Content prepared from the sources above, November 2026.
