Do your ribs hurt after a few kart laps?
Welcome to the club! Rib injuries are pretty common in karting and the only way to heal it is to rest for a couple of months.
In this post, I’ll explain the reason behind rib pain after go karting, and what you can do about it.
And most importantly, I’ll give you some tips to prevent this the next time you ride.
Why Are My Ribs Sore After Go Karting?
Go karting puts a lot of strain on your body. The karts go at high speeds and turn very fast, but they don’t have suspensions or shocks to soften bumps like cars do.
So all those hard hits from the road are absorbed by your body (especially the ribs) instead!
Also Read: Do Go-Karts Have Suspension?
Plus, you sit low to the ground, which doesn’t make things better either.
Also, is this your first time karting?
Intense karting sessions can be challenging for recreational drivers who may not have enough stamina, flexibility, or core strength endurance.
Apart from that, you can get rib pain after go karting if you don’t have properly fitted safety gear.
Improperly Fitted Safety Gear
Cheap rib protectors that only cover the front of your rib cage leave the muscles between your ribs exposed when you’re making quick steering movements.
And if your harness belts are too tight, they won’t provide any cushioning for your torso
This means every bump on the track will push directly against your ribs.
Plus, if your racing seat is too narrow or the bolsters don’t fit right, the pressure from the seat pushes against your ribs when you’re turning or speeding up/slowing down.
Also Read: Jacking Effect In Go-Karts
What To Do For Rib Pain After Go Karting
Apply some ice first. Icing the area that hurts can help reduce inflammation and pain. Use an ice pack wrapped in a towel or take an ice bath.
Keep applying ice for 10-15 minutes every few hours.
If your ribs hurt a lot, you have difficulty breathing or if the soreness lasts more than a few days, you might want to consult a doctor and get medical imaging like X-Rays or bone scans done.
Because you may have fractured a rib or cartilage.
Either way, DON’T GO karting for 1 – 3 months. Pushing through pain only prolongs healing.
As frustrating as it sounds, rest and avoiding re-aggravation is the ONLY way rib injuries heal.
How To Protect Your Ribs While Karting
Rib injuries might be common karting battle scars but there are ways to prevent them:
Invest In Rib Protectors
Look into professional-grade rib protectors like Bengio or Tillett vests.
These envelop your torso completely, spreading impact forces evenly across your chest rather than letting ribs take the whole whack in one spot.
Also Read: Go Kart Steering Hard To Turn
Properly Fitted Racing Seats
Make sure your racing seats match your body. They should properly support your shoulders, back, and sides.
A well-aligned seat that moves with you is crucial for minimizing strain and injury.
Build Physical Fitness
Focus on building your cardio capacity, core strength, and muscular endurance.
You MUST do this if you’re planning to take part in intensive racing classes.
Activities like Pilates, yoga, and aerobics can improve flexibility, helping your body better handle the g-forces experienced during karting.
Start Slow And Progress Gradually
Start go karting in slower indoor or rental karts before moving on to higher-powered machines.
This gradual progression allows you to adapt to the forces exerted during racing, reducing the risk of injury while honing your skills.
FAQs
Are Rib Protectors Worth It?
Absolutely – rib protectors are must-have safety gear for minimizing injuries.
Sudden impacts, crashes, and even the forces from turning can put a lot of stress on your ribs and the muscles between them. Rib protectors absorb these before they reach your body.
Rib protectors are well worth the cost.
Skimping on these will increase the chance of suffering avoidable injuries.
What Helps Broken Ribs Heal Faster?
The only thing you can do is rest and let it heal itself.
Wrapping the injured rib area gently with elastic bandages or medical tape can also help.
If the pain is too much to bear, you can take over-the-counter painkillers like acetaminophen or anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen can help manage rib pain.
They reduce inflammation allowing you to breathe, move, cough, and sleep better.
You can read more here.
