Ribs hurting after crash

[PaulK554]

About 2 weeks ago I crashed on my dirtbike on a jump. I fell 6-7ft on to my side where my ribs are hurting. The pain started about 3 days after the fall then stopped for a little bit. Now 2 weeks after the fall the pain is back and worse than ever. If I take a deep breath or cough I get a sharp pain coming from the ribs on my left side. Going up and down stairs, running, and doing excercises also hurts. There is no sign of bruising above the skin so I’m not sure if the rib is bruised, fractured, or nothing at all. Should I see a doctor?

[helixhelix]

Yes.....probably just bruised them internally, but it's not worth the risk.

[Hidden]

Absolutely! ASAP I say.

[AgedCrone]

Might be a good idea.

Although not usually much treatment except painkillers...unless you have ruptured something- which could be serious,

Best pop in to see GP....or if pain gets worse call 111.

[nomoreheels]

In a word yes. Always best to be checked out after an accident & 6-7 feet is quite a height to land from & landing on your side. I would think you were unable to break your fall at all? You don't need external bruising necessarily. You may not have but by the same token you could have caused some internal damage & a GP will be able to examine you, have a prod about & your lungs with a stethoscope.

Can I ask, if you keep your torso straight & move over to the left does the pain ease at all?

[PaulK554 in reply to nomoreheels]

if I sit straight and twist to the left and take a deep breath the pain doesn’t stop when I breathe. How long do bruised ribs normally hurt? I feel like 2 weeks is a long time

[nomoreheels in reply to PaulK554]

No, don't twist, just sit & lean to the left as if you're going to lie on your side. Assuming it is bruised ribs, a few weeks to a couple of months depending on severity of fall.

[PaulK554 in reply to nomoreheels]

The pain also gets really bad if I arch my back or shift sides in bed

[nomoreheels in reply to PaulK554]

The flippant me would say then you don't do that! Just be careful when you need to do either but more importantly I would say make an appointment to see your GP to be checked over.

[lKeith]

Paulk554

Hi, suggest you go and see your GP for a reference to xray, you may have damaged more

IKeith