How can broken or cracked ribs cause severe pain along with being immobile ? I tripped & fell on my right side Landed only on my rib cage, (carrying gifts) in both hands. not sure How I landed on Just my Ribs!?? SO Painful. Very hard to breathe. Can't lay down last 2 nights, Slept sitting upright. Thought by now Pain would subside, NO!!! Now my rt. foot, ankle &  toes have swelled, like a flintstone!  Thinking I should head over to e.r. Just trying to find out if the swelling of my foot, caused from my broken ribs??