In golf, a rib fracture can occur because it is exposed to repetitive trauma. Swinging of the arm produces complicated loading patterns that involve axial portion, compression and shear loads. Rib fractures in golfers is reported to be one of the most frequently occurring complications, ranking fifth in frequency of the total number of reported cases among different types of sports.

Due to the fact that rib fracture is a potentially serious complication, all golfers should take the required preventive measures to prevent this type of injury, and seek immediate treatment from an experienced orthopedic surgeon.

Symptoms of Golfers’ Rib Fracture
Golfers may start feeling severe pain when they breathe deeply or sneeze or cough if their ribcage has been injured. This is probably one of the earliest signs of the complication that should not go unnoticed.

Golfers can feel the swelling and pain at one specific point in their ribs. Golfers also feel pain at particular points when the whole ribcage is pressed or even a hand is placed on the chest. It is likely that they may experience headache, feel tired and dizzy as a result or ribcage injury. All the symptoms, whether severe or not, should be reported to the orthopedic surgeon without any delay.

Treatment
Broken or fractured ribs normally take 6 weeks to heal completely. The most common treatment for this type of injury is pain relievers or pain medications. These medicines can be found over-the-counter, with or without prescription.
Along with pain relievers, you should rest and apply an ice pack for a few days. This will be helpful in soothing pain.

If there are any complications caused due to the golfer’s ribcage injury, extensive treatment may be required; even a surgery may be needed. You have to consult an orthopedic surgeon in that case.

If any of the internal organs have been damaged as a result of ribcage fracture, it could be life-threatening. During diagnosis, expert doctors will try to determine the nature and scope of the injury so that proper measures can be taken to make sure that the condition does not worsen.

Physical therapy may be helpful for golfers to improve their range of motion in the arm and shoulder joints.

Possible Complications
Golfers should watch out for the possible complications of a fractured or broken rib. In case if the lower rib is fractured, there is a high risk of liver, kidney or spleen damage.

If any of the middle rib is broken, then it is likely that the area will bleed and it could puncture the lungs, making it collapse.

In case if the upper rib is fractures, it may cause blood vessel puncture, which includes the aorta.

Due to all the potential risks associated with fractured rib, golfers should take proper care of their movement to avoid any sprain.