Last updated: 2025/02/22
Chest pain remains one of the most common reasons people seek medical attention. Whether you’re an athlete or someone who’s experienced blunt trauma, understanding a bruised sternum—its causes, symptoms, and proper treatment—can help you manage the injury and get back to your active lifestyle.
What Is Bruised Sternum?
The sternum, or breastbone, is a flat bone located in the center of your chest. It connects your ribs and helps protect vital organs like your heart and lungs. A bruised sternum occurs when a significant impact damages the tissue around the bone. Although the injury can range from mild to severe, it typically results from a blunt force that causes pain and tenderness in the chest area.
A sternum injury is quite a painful condition.
What are the Causes?
Several factors can lead to a bruised sternum, including:
- Car Accidents: A sudden impact—such as hitting the steering wheel or the force exerted by a seatbelt during a collision—can bruise the sternum.
- Contact Sports: Direct blows from sports equipment or collisions with other players can cause significant chest trauma.
- Persistent Coughing: Intense or prolonged coughing spells, especially during respiratory infections, can strain the sternum over time.
- Falls and Workplace Accidents: Blunt trauma from falls or accidents—particularly in older adults or those with conditions like osteoporosis—can increase the risk of a bruised sternum.
- Other Traumatic Incidents: Physical altercations or any event involving a heavy impact to the chest may also result in a bruised sternum.
What Are The Signs And Symptoms of a Bruised Sternum?
Common symptoms of a bruised sternum include:
- Sharp Chest Pain: Especially noticeable when taking deep breaths, coughing, or laughing.
- Persistent Discomfort: A dull, ongoing ache that may worsen with movement.
- Swelling and Tenderness: The chest area may become swollen or feel tender to the touch.
- Difficulty Breathing: In more severe cases, deep breathing can become painful.
Diagnosis
If you suspect a bruised sternum, a healthcare provider will:
- Perform a physical examination and review your symptoms.
- Check for visible bruising or swelling in the chest area.
- Order imaging tests such as an X-ray to rule out fractures. In cases where a more severe injury is suspected, a CT scan may be recommended to ensure there are no underlying complications.
How To Treat The Injury?
Most bruised sternum injuries heal with conservative treatment. Updated treatment recommendations include:
- Rest and Activity Modification: Limit activities that strain the chest to allow natural healing.
- Ice Therapy: Apply an ice pack to the affected area for 15–20 minutes every few hours during the first 48 hours to reduce swelling.
- Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage pain and inflammation. Always follow the recommended dosage or consult a doctor.
- Gradual Return to Activity: As the pain subsides, incorporate gentle stretching and deep breathing exercises to maintain lung capacity and prevent muscle stiffness. A physical therapist can offer guidance if needed.
- Heat Therapy: After the initial 48 hours, switching to a warm compress may help relax tight muscles around the injured area.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While many bruised sternum injuries improve with self-care, seek professional help if you experience:
- Worsening pain or symptoms that do not improve after a few days.
- Difficulty breathing, severe chest pain, or dizziness.
- Noticeable increases in swelling or bruising.
- Suspicions of a more serious injury, such as a fracture or damage to internal organs.
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