The purpose of the following is to provide the reader with information regarding treatment of minor medical issues. The purpose is not to provide medical advice and is not meant to circumvent the need for diagnosis and treatment of medical problems by trained medical professionals. Many more serious medical problems may only be capable of diagnosis by these trained professionals.

Chest

Rib Fracture

Cause: A rib fracture is most commonly caused by a blow to the chest or crushing of the chest, as during a football tackle. Although rib fractures are most common in people with weak bones, athletes of all ages can suffer a rib fracture from a fall.

Prevention: Always wear protective equipment when playing contact sports. Articles such as rib pads are designed to protect an athlete's ribs during a fall or collision. By in taking plenty of calcium and doing weight training exercises, you can develop stronger bones and decrease your chance of getting a rib fracture.

Treatment: Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following after a blow to the chest: pain when you breathe, difficulty breathing, or pain around your ribcage. Most rib fractures will ultimately be treated at home. The fracture will heal on its own, but there are steps you can take to ease the pain. Get lots of rest, keep ice packs on the area, and take Aspirin or Ibuprofen. Make sure to follow the directions on the bottle and check with your doctor before taking any new medications.

Imaging: Radiographs may be done to evaluate for fracture and for complications due to a rib fracture (pneumothorax).

Breast Injury

Cause: A breast injury can occur when an athlete has direct trauma to the breast area. This trauma can be caused by multiple sources including a ball, puck, or another player. Jogger's Nipple is a common breast injury that is mainly suffered by runners. In women, Jogger's Nipple is caused by the continuous movement of the breasts during running. In men, it is due to the friction of a shirt rubbing on the nipple.

Prevention: In order to prevent a breast injury, always wear protective gear when participating in a sport that may involve contact with an object or another person. Women can decrease their chances of Jogger's Nipple by wearing a proper sports bra that will minimize breast movement during exercise. Men can decrease their chances of Jogger's Nipple by covering their nipples with a bandage or surgical tape or applying petroleum jelly to their nipples before running.

Treatment: In order to treat breast trauma or Jogger's Nipple in women, put an ice pack on the wound or painful area and apply pressure to the area. If the pain does not cease, seek medical attention. Men suffering from Jogger's Nipple should allow the area to heal by ceasing running until the irritation goes away. Alternately, the man can continue to run without a shirt on.

Imaging: If there is a mass after an injury, ultrasound may be done to evaluate for a hematoma or abscess.

Thoracic Spine (12 vertebrae in the chest area)

Cause: A thoracic spine injury typically occurs during high-energy trauma, such as a fall or collision. These injuries are rare and would most likely occur during a high impact sport, such as football or rugby.

Prevention: The simplest way to prevent a thoracic spine injury is to keep your thoracic spine in shape. This can be done by stretching throughout the week and maintaining good posture on a daily basis.

Treatment: Never move a person who appears to have a spinal injury. Call 911 immediately. Many thoracic spine fractures do not require surgery. The doctor may ask you to wear a hyperextension brace for two to three months and do some simple daily exercises, such as walking. Some thoracic spine fractures do require surgery. Metal plates and screws or spinal fusion may be used to realign your spine and hold it together.

Imaging: Radiographs may be performed to evaluate for a fracture or dislocation. Further imaging, such as CT or MRI, may be done for better detail of any osseous trauma or soft tissue abnormalities (i.e. disc herniation).

Sternoclavicular Joint Injury (joint supporting the shoulder)

Cause: The sternoclavicular joint can become dislocated or sprained when the shoulder is hit with a lot of force. This type of injury typically occurs during a fall or when an athlete is kicked while participating in a high impact sport, such as football, rugby, or karate.

Prevention: Wear padding during high impact sports. If you have had a shoulder injury in the past, ask your doctor or physical therapist for shoulder strengthening exercises you can do to prevent injuring it again.

Treatment: Nonsurgical methods are typically used to treat a sternoclavicular joint dislocation or sprain. If you have a mild sprain, place ice packs on the site of the injury to reduce the pain. If your sprain is more severe, see a medical specialist. They may recommend that you wear a shoulder strap to help the joint heal. If your sternoclavicular joint is dislocated, seek medical attention immediately. The doctor will often pop the joint back into place and ask you to wear a shoulder strap for two to three months. If the previously mentioned methods do not work and you are still experiencing pain, contact your doctor immediately as you may need surgery.

Imaging: Radiographs or CT may be done to evaluate for a fracture or dislocation. CT can also be used to evaluate for any associated soft tissue injuries.

Costochondritis (inflammation of the cartilage that joins the ribs to the breastbone)

Cause: Costochondritis is often seen as an overuse injury in athletes. The cartilage in the chest wall can become irritated if it is overused. The group of athletes most commonly diagnosed with costochondritis is competitive rowers.

Prevention: Make sure that you are maintaining proper posture while you are participating in a sport, such as rowing, as well as at work and at home. While proper posture will most likely not completely prevent costochondritis, it appears to delay its progress.

Treatment: The majority of cases of costochondritis can be treated at home. Applying hot packs several times daily can greatly reduce your symptoms. Rest and anti-inflammatory medications help to decrease inflammation. Make sure to follow the directions on the bottle and check with your doctor before taking any new medications. If these methods do not improve your condition, seek medical attention.

Imaging: This is a clinical diagnosis. Imaging may be done to evaluate for other possible causes of the symptoms (such as a fracture).