Symptoms:
A sharp pain, which often starts a day or two after the blow to the rib.

Cause:
Frequently the rib is not broken, but only has, what is known as, a green splint. This is a hairline crack. Yet it is still very painful!

Treatment:
• Apply some cold water to the bruised area, so it will not swell too much.

• When the water applications have been removed and the skin carefully dried, cut about six pieces of 1½" or 2" adhesive tape. Each piece should be 8"-10" long.

• Check the ribs, making sure the ends are properly together.

• Center the first piece of tape over the break, stretch firmly and apply to the skin. Repeat with the second piece, but at a right angle to the first piece. Continue until you have a 12-point set of tape lines, radiating from the center where the break occurred.

• Try to leave this on for about a month, so it will heal well. A skin rash may develop, but it will be far less a problem than caring for the break.