A cracked rib can be very painful, but most rib fractures can be treated with rest, icing, and over-the-counter (OTC) NSAIDs like aspirin or ibuprofen. Here are some things you can do for a cracked rib:

• Rest: Avoid intense workouts and playing sports, but moving and breathing as close to normally as possible is an important part of your recovery.

• Ice: Apply an ice pack for 20 minutes every hour you are awake for the first 2 days, then 10 to 20 minutes 3 times daily as needed to reduce pain and swelling.

• Pain relief: Take painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, to relieve pain. If you need something stronger, your doctor may prescribe something for you.

• Breathing exercises: Try to breathe deeply and cough gently at least once every hour. You may want to hold a pillow against the site of your injury to make this easier. Your doctor may give you an incentive spirometer, a device you can use to monitor your lung function. These exercises help prevent a partial lung collapse and pneumonia.

• Avoid certain activities: Do not play any sports or do any exercise that makes your pain worse. Do not wrap anything tightly around your ribs while they’re healing. You don’t want anything to limit your breathing.

Its important to relieve pain, as not being able to breathe deeply because of pain can lead to pneumonia. If you think you have a rib fracture, its important to see a healthcare provider to evaluate the severity of the injury and determine if there are any other injuries.