Beto
Grom
Reged: 02/03/05
Posts: 1
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While surfing two days ago I got ragdolled on a muscular 1.5x overhead wave and came up with a mild but persistent pain in my lower left ribcage. I don't think I hit anything except the water (hard), but I certainly got thumped and tumbled. I surfed for another hour as dull pain slowly increased. A day out of the water and some ibuprofen and I was feeling better. During the course of today's surf my lower left ribcage started hurting more and more as I paddled. I was using back muscles to keep the weight off my chest, and favoring the other side, but after an hour I called it a day's surf.
Upon self-inspection and some online reading, I now suspect some degree of costochondral cartilage separation in ribs 8-10 on the left. Hurts when I cough, lie on that side, do much with left arm in various positions. Feel a little sensation of slipping and friction when I probe there with fingers. Maybe a cracked rib, but I just didn't get hit that hard and pain feels more in the cartilage zone of those ribs. FWIW, I'm 42.
I've read that estimated recovery time for a cracked rib might be 4-6 weeks of rest. For the cartilage separation up to TWICE that until pain is completely 100% all gone. In a word...
$^%#@$@(&*^%*$#@$!#@!$%&+?^%*&$@%#^&^(*&%$^%!!!!!!!!!!
This is the best surf season we've seen in years and I've been all over it! I am *really* bummed at the prospect of being drydocked for the remainder of an excellent winter.
So my questions:
1) Should I even bother seeing a doctor if the pain is manageable?
2) Is there ANYTHING I can do to speed my recovery? Would any PT or dietary supplements help do anything but lighten my wallet?
3) Would a rib belt, extra slab o' neoprene in my suit, Roman soldier-style breastplate or other such contraption help me mitigate this injury or avoid re-injury?
4) *Anything* I might reasonably do to reduce chances for re-injury? Exercises or diet or something?
Thanks SurfDoc and others.
(wince...)
Surfer Beto
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Slurren
Legend (inyourownmind)
Reged: 01/28/05
Posts: 201
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I had the same thing happen to me. I got it from surfing everyday for a couple months. It was a dull ache then one morning a simply coughed and wham, the worst pain I ever felt. It took a couple weeks to heal. Stay with the anti imflamatories and try not to stress it. It will only heal with rest.
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serf
Michael Peterson status
Reged: 04/08/03
Posts: 2428
Loc: al
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At least get an Xray to make sure no bones are cracked or anything. My friend played rugby and got hit pretty hard. He had the same type of pain you're describing, but when coach orded him to the doc, the doc found his ribs were cracked, and needed adjustment to heal properly. It sucks when a bone doesn't heal right.
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12-5-2005 Black Monday
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SurfDoc
Billy Hamilton status
Reged: 12/19/02
Posts: 1473
Loc: Huntington Beach
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The whole x-ray thing for ribs is a minor controversy in medicine with most saying its not necessary. Typically healing is in the 6 week range. Pain relief comes in various forms like pills, hot packs, and liniments. I advise regular gentle stretching and deep breathing exercises. I've had 'em twice, and broken ribs ain't no fun.
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Peace,
Surf Doc
Be safe, surf smart, know your limits! Check this: www.happyshark.com
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