Usually a minor rib fracture can gradually recover after about 1 month of rest, but the exact recovery time depends on the age of the patient and the treatment method. Rib fractures heal faster than other fractures due to the rich blood vessels around the ribs and the better blood supply. If minor rib fractures occur in children, they can be treated externally with blood-activating drugs and conservative treatment such as local fixation, and they can gradually recover in 3-4 weeks; if minor rib fractures occur in adults, they may cause pleural effusion, and it takes about 6-7 weeks to recover with conservative treatment. Patients with rib fractures must be checked periodically by x-rays for the degree of fracture recovery until they have fully recovered. In addition, after a rib fracture, it is important to keep warm, apply heat to the fracture site frequently to speed up blood circulation, eat a light diet, ensure adequate rest, avoid strenuous exercise to reduce lung capacity, and try not to cough or bend over to prevent fracture symptoms from worsening.