I tripped and fell on top of a old tree stump! Now the area between my ribs is bruised and the outside skin on top of it is scratched badly! I allso have some minor pain when I breath in my chest area! Did I bruise my sternum bone?! Did I bruise my ribs?! I m breathing fine and my heart is beating fine!
Hi, Noted your history about tripping over a stump of a tree and got bruised over the chest. The pain and tenderness indicates a definite injury. X-ray and CT scan of the affected area can only tell whether there is any fracture or internal injury and should be done early to rule out as some injuries can show up late. Consult your Doctor for clinical evaluation, an actual examination of chest, auscultation and investigated as discussed above. If there is any fracture stripping over the affected area can help stabilize the ribs ABD thus the pain. Take an anti-inflammatory medications like Ibuprofen for pain. Take rest. Take a stool softener to avoid straining at stool. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.