Fifty Plus (50+) - Yikes! Possible cracked rib.

I had a freak accident at work where my hand slipped and I hit my right side on the edge of my desk. Don't ask me how it happened, but it did. :o I shrugged it off at the time but it started hurting later in the day. I didn't ride that night on my usual training ride. I rode yesterday, an easy 29-miler. Last night, I was in serious pain. OK, I'm going out on a ride today with my son, who has a new bike (another thread). I know that there isn't any treatment for a cracked rib, or a bruised one, I can't tell between them. Vitamin I will carry me through today's ride. I don't want to think about how I will feel tonight or how I will feel if I can't ride next week. Grrr.

-soma5

I cracked 3 ribs when I went down in March and they just started to feel good again. Not bad, 6 months huh. I guess were getting old.

Ouch! Hope you didn't crack them and feel better soon.

A couple of Years ago, first summer on a bike in 44 years,I had a nasty fall against a curbstone.
Somebody suggesterd wrapping up tightly from armpits to waist. use bedsheets or towel.
Worked out well for me. Try it, and here is hoping.!

A couple of Years ago, first summer on a bike in 44 years,I had a nasty fall against a curbstone.
Somebody suggesterd wrapping up tightly from armpits to waist. use bedsheets or towel.
Worked out well for me. Try it, and here is hoping.!

Is this something you do just at night? Do you do it over a period of time?

-soma5

This is the second post about a cracked rib today:(

Hope you're feeling better soon.

My answer got lost in cyberspace.
here is another try

Tape up your chest before you go riding and take it easy.The wrapping is intended to keep your chest
immobile, sort of. Make sure you have no broken ribs. Breath from your diaphragm as much as you can.
As for at night, whatever works. My advice would be to tape up. Play it by ear; when it hurts tape up.
When it does not hurt anymore : guess what? ..You're ok again.
Hope you heal fast. AAX.

I don't think you should tape your ribs it's not done anymore. The biggest worry with ribs is developing pneumonia, (that's why they don't tape ribs). You should make sure you take full deep breaths to clear the lungs. It will hurt like hell!

I don't think you should tape your ribs it's not done anymore. The biggest worry with ribs is developing pneumonia, (that's why they don't tape ribs). You should make sure you take full deep breaths to clear the lungs. It will hurt like hell!

This is correct information. I broke 4 ribs (!) last year in a low-speed crash, so the doctor gave me a prescription for painkillers and a plastic device that measures your breathing volume. I was instructed to use it once an hour, breathing to his specified volume, for 10 breaths each time.

Having cracked ribs made me very glad I am married; it's really hard to get in/out of bed by yourself with that injury. Sneezing/coughing is a whole adventure; I couldn't imagine that injury _and_ a head cold!

And I'm quite sure I would have just walked away from that same crash, with no injuries, 25 years ago...

Harry

And I'm quite sure I would have just walked away from that same crash, with no injuries, 25 years ago...

I hear you. I don't think I would have had the accident at all, 25 years ago. I used to be more coordinated, I swear... :p

-soma5