Ribs are slender, curved bones that form the protective ribcage around vital organs, provide structural support to the chest, and assist in breathing.
Rib pain refers to discomfort or tenderness experienced in the area of the ribs.
It can be caused by various factors, including:
- muscle strains,
- rib fractures,
- inflammation of the cartilage (costochondritis),
- trauma,
- or underlying medical conditions such as osteoporosis or arthritis.
Symptoms of Rib pain
The most common symptom of rib pain is localized tenderness or sharp pain in the affected area. You may also experience difficulty breathing, pain with movement or deep breathing, swelling, or bruising. Rib pain can significantly limit your ability to perform everyday activities and impact your overall quality of life.
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