i'm going to say that unless you're having trouble breathing you probably do not need to get an x-ray done. it's pretty hard to break a rib from an unintentional punch though of course anything's possible. even if the rib is cracked there's not much treatment for it except to bind it. you might try using a wide compression (ace) bandage to see if that helps the pain but don't wrap it excessively tight. gentle support is fine. another possibility is that you tore some cartilage between ribs. that can be very painful and more bad news can take a long time to heal. this could account for why you're still having pain. the only treatment for this type of injury is rest and time. if the pain gets worse over time instead of better; if you develop a fever chills or flu-like symptoms; or if you suddenly have trouble breathing then it's definitely time to get checked out by a doctor insurance or no insurance. otherwise i think you can take a wait-and-see approach to this. over-the-counter pain relievers used according to package directions might give you some relief too. i hope you feel better soon! what kind over the counter meds should i take what's the best so i don't waist money thank you ron
took a punch to my lower right chest. no external bruising but still painful over a week later. for why? ! <negative_smiley>. my girlfriend and i were horsing around and she unexepctedly hit me in the chest. it has been about a week or more since then and the pain hasn't really ebbed much - if at all. no. visible. bruise developed but i'm wondering if there is internal bruising of some sort. i sometimes feel bone clicking when i move my right arm in certain directions; i'm a little worried that something is cracked. no medical insurance at the moment but should i see a doctor and get an x-ray?