Ever broken ribs and returned to running after, how long did it take?

Supercell · 27-02-2026 11:46AM #1

I tripped on a crack in the pavement jogging yesterday evening and ended up fracturing a couple of ribs.

Doc said it will be about 10-12 weeks typically for someone my age to heal up completely.

I'm in a lot of pain right now and running is totally out of the question I'd imagine for a few weeks at least. I'm hoping i can at least go on the exercise bike in a week or two and take it fairly easy just to keep some aerobic fitness.

Has anyone else broken ribs before and returned to running?, what kind of time did it take?, just want something to look forwards too as I'm feeling a bit sorry for myself today!

StiffLittleFingers · 27-02-2026 02:38PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058434150/ever-broken-ribs-and-returned-to-running-after-how-long-did-it-take

Sorry to hear about that, if I were you I wouldn't cycle outdoors for the first month or so anyway.

You don't want to be cycling over all the lumps and bumps on the road or having to stop or turn suddenly etc.

Breathing deeply a few times a day is supposed to be helpful and cycling slowly.

I'm sure you know all that already.

Whatever you do, don't go back too early. My uncle got a hip replacement and drove after a week as he had nobody to get messages (you're told not to drive for 6 weeks) and he ended up with an infection that lead to MRSA which lead to several weeks in a room on his own in hospital with an open wound and he still doesn't walk properly to this day. Always wait until you're properly healed, that might be less than 10-12 weeks but its not worth rushing it.

Jakey Rolling · 22-03-2026 09:39AM

I was about 2 months to get back to light running, probably 3 months to doing full on sessions. And that was when I was 23 years old :-). In the meantime, try not to laugh, or cough, or basically make any sharp movements! Good luck!

average_runner · 26-03-2026 04:54PM

Took me about 3 months. You need to stop lifting anything that is heavy and just take your time.

If it hurts when you cough or laugh, you aren't ready to run

Supercell · 02-04-2026 05:03PM

I went back last week, just taking it verrry slow. I'm able to get out of bed now without my wife helping or in a huge amount of pain, still sore but it seems to be healing up well. Wouldn't wish the first three days after it on anyone, talk about agony doing literally anything.

Enduro · 02-04-2026 10:17PM

Exercise bike first is perfect. Then return to running. Timespan is whenever you've not getting "stop" pain. Don't mask the pain. I've probably done it to myself multiple times. Only one official diagnosis, which was mid race. Stopped a few hours later.

Supercell · 03-04-2026 03:06PM

Running for a few hours with broken ribs!!, your made of tough stuff Enduro!

Ever broken ribs and returned to running after, how long did it take?

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