A rib fracture is a crack or break in one of the bones of the rib cage.

A rib fracture is most often caused by a direct blow to the chest. Other causes include forceful coughing or having thin bones (such as from osteoporosis or cancer).

A rib fracture can be very painful:

• At the site where the chest was injured (localized pain).
• With deep breathing.
• When pressure is applied to the injured area.

The treatment for a rib fracture that does not occur with a more serious injury is usually rest, ice to the area, and medicine to relieve pain.