Rib Stress Fracture: Are You At Risk of This Overuse Injury?

Rib Stress Fracture: Are You At Risk of This Overuse Injury?
Photo by Nino Liverani

Stress fractures aren’t usually something that is associated with the ribs. You’ve probably heard of foot stress fractures or leg stress fractures. Often, stress fractures occur in the weight-bearing bones and joints of the body.  

But a stress fracture involving the rib bones is possible.  

Interestingly, it’s actually considered an overuse injury. How? The serratus anterior, the muscles in the upper back that helps perform pull-ups and push-ups, may cause stress to the ribs when it is repeatedly contracted.  

What Sports or Activities Are Rib Stress Fractures Commonly Associated With? 

Tennis or baseball are common sports where you may experience a rib stress fracture. This is because of repeated overhead movements. Other activities, such as rowing, dancing, windsurfing, or backpacking, which involve many repeated contraction of the back muscles, may cause a stress fracture in the fourth or fifth rib. 

Symptoms frequently include soreness around the ribs or the front of your neck, pain in the same area, and possibly tenderness around the shoulder blades. 

What Should I Do If I Suspect a Rib Stress Fracture? 

If you suspect a rib stress fracture, don’t continue training. Stop your activity or sport to prevent further damage. Book an appointment with your doctor or a sports medicine specialist.  

 Your doctor or the specialist may use X-rays, CT scans, bone scans, or an MRI to evaluate and diagnose your condition or injury. This also helps to rule out any other causes of pain or discomfort. Rib stress fractures are especially easy to confuse with other conditions, such as costochondritis or a muscle strain.  

Treating a Rib Stress Fracture 

You’ll be instructed by your doctor or your sports medicine specialist to avoid using your affected arm. Immobilizing your arm on the same side as the rib stress fracture may be necessary. This may involve the use of a sling. 

A rib stress fracture frequently takes about 8 weeks to fully heal. Be patient. And don’t return to your regular activities until it has fully healed. Returning before the rib has had time to heal properly may result in persistent pain and problems.  

When you do return to sports and your regular activities, use caution. Increase your training gradually and avoid overdoing it.  

You may also be given rehab exercises for strengthening the affected area. These help decrease your risk of re-injuring the area and ensure you return to your regular activities stronger and better than before. 

bold

Share this article

About Athlete’s Choice Massage

Athlete’s Choice Massage was created to provide consistently excellent rehabilitative services for health-conscious people. Our team is extremely well-trained and they take pride in their work. They are constantly striving to learn and better themselves in their respective fields so that they can help you recover and aid in the maintenance of your well-being.

best massage Edmonton

All appointments will begin with a short but in-depth one-on-one assessment. This is your opportunity to point out what area you’d like to work on during your time, as well as identify any special requests or concerns you may have. Should you have more than one area of concern, your therapist will prioritize the chief complaint and create a treatment plan for the time allotted and for follow-ups as needed.

Please note our 24 Hour Cancelation Policy.

With massage therapy being covered by many people’s extended health care benefits, it is now easier than ever to experience the positive effects of therapeutic massage.

DYNAMIC

Frequently Asked Question

When a massage is administered, your body reacts to the pressure and movement of the massage therapist’s hands in a variety of ways. As your body relaxes, the massage prompts the release of hormones and Read More

I am item content. Click edit button to change this text. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

I am item content. Click edit button to change this text. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

I am item content. Click edit button to change this text. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

I am item content. Click edit button to change this text. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

A rib stress fracture is a small crack or break in one of the ribs that is often caused by overuse or repetitive motion. This can result in pain, swelling, and difficulty breathing.

 

Athletes who participate in sports that involve repetitive upper body movements, such as rowing or golf, are at higher risk for rib stress fractures. People who have weak bones due to osteoporosis or other medical conditions may also be at higher risk.

 

A rib stress fracture can be diagnosed through a physical examination and imaging tests, such as X-rays or MRI. It is important to seek medical attention if you suspect you have a rib stress fracture, as it can be easily mistaken for other injuries such as muscle strains.

 

Treatment for a rib stress fracture typically involves rest and avoiding activities that cause pain. Pain medication and ice may be recommended to reduce pain and swelling. In some cases, a brace or other support may be recommended to help stabilize the rib and promote healing. It is important to follow a gradual return-to-activity plan and to work with a healthcare professional to ensure proper healing and prevent further injury.