How long does the pain from a rib fracture last?

Written by Guan Jing Tao
Orthopedics
Updated on May 20, 2025
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Taking a single rib fracture as an example, the pain generally lasts for one to two weeks. Then, over two to four weeks, the pain at the site of the rib fracture gradually eases and stabilizes. In the later stages, as the fracture healing progressively strengthens, the pain will gradually lessen until there is no significant pain. This period is generally about one to three months after the fracture, meaning that the most significant pain from a rib fracture usually lasts from one to two weeks, and then, as the fracture heals, the pain gradually decreases and improves.

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Written by Li Jin
Orthopedics
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Does a rib fracture hurt?

Rib fractures can result in pain, which is one of the most common complications associated with fractures. When experiencing pain, one can use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to alleviate the discomfort. For the treatment of rib fractures, if it is a single or multiple closed fractures without any associated internal organ damage, and the fracture is well-positioned, non-surgical treatment methods are generally adopted and can achieve good results. Using a chest binder for protection usually enables effective recovery within about four to six weeks. For multiple rib fractures accompanied by abnormal breathing, open fractures, or associated internal organ injuries, surgical methods are primarily used for treatment.

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Written by Li Jin
Orthopedics
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Can someone with a rib fracture move?

Patients with rib fractures should rest during the acute injury phase. Premature activity can cause pain at the fracture site and is detrimental to the recovery of the fracture. After the condition stabilizes and symptoms such as pain have alleviated, patients can appropriately start mobilizing. Proper exercise can help prevent complications such as dependent pneumonia and bedsores. Rib fractures are generally treated non-surgically. A chest brace can be used for protection in conjunction with anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications, as well as Chinese medicines that promote blood circulation and remove blood stasis, which aid in the healing of the fracture. Recovery from a rib fracture generally takes about four to six weeks.

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Written by Zhang Zhi Gong
Cardiothoracic Surgery
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Complications of rib fractures

Rib fracture complications. Structurally, each rib is located above the intercostal arteries, veins, and nerves. Therefore, the most critical issue with rib fractures is that they can cause severe pain for the patient. Thus, the main complication of a rib fracture is pain. This pain persists 24 hours a day, especially when the patient takes deep breaths, coughs, or turns over while sleeping during the night, which can awaken them due to the severe pain. Additionally, because of this pain, the patient is unable to cough effectively. Therefore, a large amount of phlegm, especially in smokers, accumulates in the lungs, leading to complications such as lung infections and pneumonia. Besides pain, another complication of rib fractures is the potential puncture of intercostal arteries or veins, which can cause hemothorax. This condition can result in a significant accumulation of blood in the pleural cavity, and a severe hemothorax can be life-threatening, especially a progressing hemothorax. Therefore, for patients with fractures of three or more ribs, it is recommended, according to the 2017 US guidelines for the treatment of internal fractures and the 2018 consensus from Chinese experts on internal fracture treatment, to actively proceed with surgical interventions. Studies have found that active surgical intervention for fractures of more than three ribs can significantly reduce the patient's pain, shorten hospital stays, and improve quality of life. In summary, the main complications of rib fractures include pneumothorax, hemothorax, pain, and resultant lung infections and pneumonia. These complications are crucial in the treatment of rib fractures and need to be actively addressed.

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Written by Li Jie
Orthopedics
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How to treat rib fractures well?

Rib fractures are very common. We consider fractures of three or fewer ribs to be stable fractures, which generally only require local external fixation using a rib belt or chest wrap to stabilize the fracture and alleviate pain. Additionally, treatments can include drugs that activate blood circulation and reduce stasis, anti-swelling and pain relief drugs, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Then, the fractures can heal on their own. However, if more than three ribs are fractured, we consider it an unstable fracture, which may need to be fixed. Such cases might require surgery to reposition and stabilize the fractured bones. Rib fractures themselves are not very concerning; what is concerning are the complications, such as hemothorax or pneumothorax. If conditions like pleural effusion or pneumothorax occur, it is advised to perform closed chest drainage by inserting a drainage tube to release the accumulated blood and air to avoid severe complications. Rib fractures do not require special treatment; with effective stabilization and treatment, most can fully recover.

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Written by Li Jin
Orthopedics
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How to care for a rib fracture

After a rib fracture, if it is a single or multiple closed fractures and there are no internal injuries with the fracture in a good position, this situation can be treated conservatively using a chest strap for stabilization. If there are multiple rib fractures accompanied by abnormal breathing, open fractures, or associated internal injuries, surgical treatment is mainly adopted. During the recovery period of the fracture, it's important to rest. If there is pain, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory analgesic drugs can be used to alleviate the pain. During recovery, it is encouraged to cough and expectorate to avoid complications such as lung infections or atelectasis. Additionally, it is necessary to focus on a nutritious diet; generally, rib fractures can effectively recover in about four to six weeks. (Specific medications should be used under the guidance of a physician.)