Rib Trauma

[Syd04]

One week ago I received a cheap shot shoulder charge to the rib cage whilst playing touch football. Aside from feeling a bit winded I was able to continue playing out the match. Later that night the impacted area became very tender and quite inflammed. I treated with ice but after 3 days and with pain and mobility issues I took myself to the doctor. X-rays showed no fracture and the Doctor diagnosed possible cartliage trauma. He prescribed anti inflams and advised me to exercise only to the point of pain onset. After a week the pain has reduced significantly but I am still having mobility issues and am concerned that if I miss any more workouts I will suffer the effects come 27Nov at Ironman West Australia.
Am I likely to suffer further injury if I return to my normal training routine of swimming, riding, and running imediately?
Should I restrict myself to riding only, as it doesnt seem to result in any pain?

[Syd04]

Yesterday I went for a 12Km run. The pain was much like a stitch. Since then the pain has remained a constant dull ache, with sharp pain if I pivot on my right side to go from lying or sitting to standing. Is this pattern consistent with the normal recovery process?

[injuryupdate]

Rib injuries are very poorly understood. Most cartilage injuries don't show up on scans but the good news is that 95-98% seem to heal up and become pain free. The ones that don't are really tough to manage. However should be OK in iron man events (would be a real problem in a rower or a fast bowler in cricket)