Internal Medicine Questions Internist

I had a hard fall?

While leaning over, I fell forward onto the ground, lying flat, not a particularly hard fall. The area next to the shoulder near the armpit on one side feels inflamed and is somewhat uncomfortable to take a deep breath. Twofold question - this happened a week ago and it seems worse now than when it happened - is this normal and also, how long before this heals?

Female | 64 years old

2 Answers

Fractured ribs. Rib X-rays might be necessary.
That is a very hard question to answer without examining you. If the pain has worsened, I would recommend being seen. There are more than a few things that could create this situation.

Thank you,

Robert D. Swift, DO, FAOAO