In most cases of overuse bone injuries, they typically occur in the lower extremities. Many have heard about stress fractures but most occur in the leg, foot or hip. Various types of stress fractures can occur among athletes. There are also uncommon types of stress fractures that affect the rib cage including a rib stress fracture.
Rib stress fractures can occur in various types of sports but usually occur in certain activities and sports such as baseball, rowing, windsurfing, backpacking and dance. These fractures occur once the bone could not endure the amount of accumulated stress of a particular activity. Unlike with acute fractures that are caused by high-impact forces, a stress fracture is caused by constant low-energy force that places accumulating damage to the bone.
Indications a rib stress fracture
It is important to note that rib stress fractures are hard to analyze and it often takes some time to precisely determine the cause of the pain. The usual indication of a rib stress fracture is pain that gradually increases straight over the injury site. The individual typically experiences pain that is focal and broader symptoms of pain that are commonly linked with other conditions. In addition, the pain can worsen upon exertion, coughing or deep breathing.
The X-ray result is often normal among individuals with a stress fracture. Even in severe cases, the X-ray result will not reveal anything. Other tests are required to confirm a diagnosis such as an MRI or bone scan. The advantage with a bone scan is that it can be easily performed and interpreted. An MRI can be difficult to perform but show other possible causes of pain including the inflammation of the soft tissues.
In some cases, rib stress fractures can be confused with other rib cage issues. The common causes of rib pain among athletes include muscle strains of the intercostal muscles and costochondritis. Early treatment of these conditions is vital in order to allow the rib to rest and the injury to heal. Once the individual resumes activity, recurrent rib pain might require further imaging to determine if a stress fracture is present.
Treatment of rib stress fractures
There is little that can be done for treatment of a rib stress fracture. Allowing the ribs enough time to heal and avoiding exertion will allow the bone to recover and the injury to fully heal. If the individual attempts to resume activity too soon before adequate healing occurred, it can prolong the symptoms of pain.
It is sad to note that there is no way to determine when the injury will fully recover, but most cases of rib stress fractures heal within 3 months. On the other hand, some might take up to 6 months or even longer if the individual will not allow the ribs enough time to rest adequately. Oftentimes, athletes can perform other activities without aggravating the healing bone. Other activities that can help maintain the fitness include swimming or cycling.