Let’s talk about ribs. More specifically, let’s talk about your ribs. You’ve recently noticed a pain that, at times, feels almost crippling. So, you’re wondering…
What is that horrible pain?
Rib pain can be caused by several disorders, diseases, and conditions that range from mild to severe, and it should not be taken lightly. When you need medical care, FastMed Urgent Care is standing by every day of the year to ensure you get the care you need when you need it, including our extended hours Monday – Friday.
Your Ribs Do A Lot!
Your rib cage helps support your entire skeleton and protects numerous organs, like your heart and lungs. Because rib pain can signify a serious medical condition, it is important to see a doctor immediately to determine its cause.
What are some common causes of rib pain?
Muscle strain: Your intercostal muscles allow the ribcage to move up and down and can be strained by forceful twisting of the body or swinging of the arms, especially during sports like golf or tennis. When your intercostal muscles are strained, it can cause pain throughout your ribcage.
Pneumonia: Lung infections like pneumonia can cause rib pain from excessive coughing and inflammation.
Bruising: Any blunt force trauma to your chest can cause bruising and rib pain.
Broken or fractured rib: Car accidents, falls, sports, and other injuries can cause broken or fractured ribs. If you think you may have broken a rib, it is imperative that you seek medical attention immediately.
Paying attention to some of the symptoms that accompany your rib pain can help determine the cause of it. Abdominal pain, body aches, fever, and restricted mobility are all clues to the underlying issue. For instance, rib pain accompanied by fever and body aches could be sign of infection; whereas, rib pain accompanied by limited mobility could signify muscle strain or bruising. The only way to know for sure is to be evaluated by a medical professional.
Because no one can anticipate when urgent care will be needed, FastMed Urgent Care addresses non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries without an appointment 7 days a week. Our modern, state-of-the-art facilities have on-site labs, x-rays, EKG equipment, and electronic medical records. Are you a first-time FastMed patient? Fill out your patient information form online!