Is heat good for fractured ribs?

Apply cold to the injured area off-and-on the first two days. Cold helps reduce pain and swelling. After two days, apply heat (tub soaks or warm wet washcloths) to help the bruise heal more quickly.

Do you put heat or ice on broken ribs?

Apply an ice pack 20 minutes of every hour you are awake for the first 2 days, then 10 to 20 minutes 3 times daily as needed to reduce pain and swelling.

Should you put heat on a fracture?

Never use heat on broken or damaged skin.

Is Icy Hot good for bruised ribs?

Icing helps reduce swelling by decreasing the blood flow in the area. It also numbs the area and helps relieve pain. Apply an ice pack to the injured area for 20 minutes, 2 to 3 times per day for the first one to two days.

Should I use hot or cold compress for swelling?

Heat boosts the flow of blood and nutrients to an area of the body. It often works best for morning stiffness or to warm up muscles before activity. Cold slows blood flow, reducing swelling and pain.

What is the healing time for bruised ribs?

Bruised ribs usually heal within a month or so, but that process can take longer if one or more ribs are actually broken instead of bruised. If you’re initially diagnosed with bruised ribs but the pain isn’t easing after a couple of weeks, tell your doctor.

What is the best treatment for a broken rib?

The best broken rib treatment is simple pain medication. 1  Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen are best. If you go to the ER for your broken rib, the doctor is likely to give you a prescription pain medication as well as a NSAID.

What is the best thing for a broken rib?

If you’ve broken a rib (or several), one of the best things you can do is simply rest. This will not only reduce some of the pain but also help your body navigate the healing process. Still, you need some level of physical activity for the rest of your body and overall health.

How to relieve the pain of bruised ribs?

Resting and restricting your activities are the main treatment options for bruised ribs. Ice may help relieve some of your pain and swelling. Since bruised ribs cause pain when you inhale — causing you to take more shallow breaths — your doctor may prescribe medication to help manage your pain.