Question
I had a bike injury 4 days ago when my front wheel twisted and I came down
hard-
hitting my lower left sternum/ribs on the handlebar.  Pain was severe.  Went
to the
ER - CT scan was negative for fracture / organ injury.  I was told by my md to
take
Percocet initially and Ibuprofen.  I still have positional pain and soreness, feel
like a
balloon has been expanded inside my left chest.  Transitions in movement
are
difficult ie standing and sitting.  I am only now beginning to be able to
cough.  What
can I expect to do in the way of activities.  How soon can I safely return to
biking/tennis/working out?  Is rest better than exercise... can I make things
worse?  

Answer
Dear Barbara,

Although you have been cleared of fractures, you still need to take it easy for awhile.  However, this does not mean you should be laying around, rather, utilize slow and deliberate movements so that you do not lose any active range of motion, and thereby allowing some  movement of the ribs and sternum.

The soft tissue and cartilage is inflamed from the trauma, and there is probably some cartilage disruption as well which takes a long time to heal, and may not heal fully anyway. Rib and sternum injuries are difficult.  You do not want to wrap them as this will limit chest expansion and air exchange in the lungs, which may result in infection.  Conversely, you don't want to prolong inflammation or create more tissue damage with too much movements, so you need to walk a fine line.

I would recommend that you try to maintain as active and normal of a lifestyle as you can, but without too much stress on the injured area.  No running, jumping, or lifting.  No repetitive bending or twisting, but light cycling should be okay.  Remember to stay active but in moderation, and let the area heal for the next 3-4 weeks with a gradual increase in activity as the pain levels reduce.

If you continue to have a feeling of fullness in the chest, you may wish to go back to your MD and have your lung expansion (air volume) checked to make sure that there are no internal restrictions.

Good Luck Barbara!

Respectfully,
Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman
www.suncoasthealthcare.net