I found out today I have a fractured 9th rib on the right side. It hurts under my right breast. Very swollen but using ice. I have pain meds and lidocaine patches. Is there anything else I can do to re-leave the pain. What is a rib brace and will it work.
Hi, Rib belt is very useful to decrease movements at the rib fracture site and pain. You should wear at the level of the fractured rib. Continue analgesics and patch treatment. Mild pain may remain as rib moves with every inspiration and expiration till the bone integrates. Don't worry about that. Ribs are very vascular and union usually happens in 4 to 6 weeks. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.