A real pain in the chest — East Vic Park Physiotherapy

There can be many medical reasons for chest, rib and upper back pain including heart and lung conditions, infections and trauma incidences like fractures.

However, once that has been ruled out a diagnosis to be considered is costochondritis. 

 What?

The condition is classified as inflammation of the costochondral junction of the ribs (where the bone and cartilage meet) or of the costosternal joints (where the ribs connect to the chest bone). The issue is normally unilateral (one sided) but can sometimes be bilateral.

 Signs and symptoms:

–       Chest pain that can radiate into the upper chest near the shoulder, down the rib into the area under the armpit and even into the back near your shoulder blade

–       Pain can be sharp with certain movements and a dull ache at rest

–       Sometimes there is visible swelling over rib joints

–       Neck and shoulder range can be affected

–       Pain with laughing, coughing, sneezing and deep breathing

 Why?

The exact reason for an individual developing inflammation of that particular area is yet to be determined. However, there are a few mechanisms that have been anecdotally found to trigger costochondritis symptoms including:

–       Trauma to the area (eg. Direct fall/pressure or injury to the pec muscle)

–       Intense exercise of the area

–       A bout of illness with lots of coughing

 Diagnosis methods

The condition is primarily diagnosed with clinical tests including:

–       Palpation of the costochondral and costosternal joints (usually ribs 2-5)

–       Assessment of thoracic, cervical and glenohumeral joint range

–       Cough/sneeze/laugh test

–       Deep breathing test

Scans would only be beneficial if you needed to rule out any of the below alternate diagnoses. Potentially a blood test would be beneficial if a multi joint inflammatory condition is suspected. 

 Examples of differential diagnosis

–       Coronary artery disease (or other heart conditions acute or chronic)

–       Pulmonary embolism or pneumothorax

–       Rib fractures or subluxations

–       Costovertebral sprain

–       Tietze syndrome

–       Pectoralis muscle injury

–       Infections (e. g., pneumonia)

–       Xiphoidalgia

Treatment

–       A review with a physiotherapist can be helpful to accurately diagnose

–       Ice over the joints or heat over the muscles

–       Speak to your pharmacist regarding pain relieving medication

–       Modification of aggravating activities

–       Gentle massage to the neck, shoulder and chest muscles can be helpful in some cases

–       Gentle stretches and strengthening exercises once the pain has reduced

If you believe you are suffering from costochondritis then book an appointment to see one of our friendly physiotherapists today! 

Costochondritis and armpit swelling | HealthTap Online Doctor

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A 41-year-old member asked:

Dr. Abdul Ahmedanswered

Orthopedic Surgery 43 years experience

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Costochondritis

: Most of the time it is a localized condition. Only in severe cases it can cause inflammation of the pleura adjacent to it.

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Dr. Ihab Ibrahim agrees1 doctor agrees

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Dr. Tal Davidanswered

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Costochondritis

: Untrue. There is no evidence that costochondritis will affect any of the underlying organs.

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No

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Imaging

: Imaging of the thorax may be indicated. Pulmonary function testing and your oxygen saturation may be obtained. I would suggest seeing your PCP. You c… Read More

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A Verified Doctoranswered

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No

: There are no costochondral joints in that area. The costochondral joints are only located at the point the ribs attached to the sternum or breast bone… Read More

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Costochondritis is less likely the cause of bilateral rib cage pain below the armpit areas because the costochondral joints are in front of the chest…. Read More

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All about armpit pain

What should be done to diagnose and treat armpit pain ? To solve this problem, the first step for the patient is to make an appointment with a surgeon or mammologist. After the initial examination, the doctor may prescribe additional tests:

• Consultation with an oncologist-mammologist
• Orthopedic consultation
• Consultation with a dermatologist
• Allergist consultation
• Consultation with a cardiologist
• Breast ultrasound
• Ultrasound of lymph nodes
• Breast MRI
• ECG.

Causes of armpit pain

Allergic reaction and armpit pain

Deodorants, perfumes, lotions and body washes are common skin irritants. If you have sensitive skin or skin conditions, any of these products can cause a reaction and cause pain. Other symptoms associated with skin irritants or allergens include inflammation, rash, redness, swelling, itching. If you experience an allergic reaction while using a cosmetic or deodorant, stop using it immediately and contact your allergist to avoid more serious symptoms.

Shaving and armpit pain

Incorrect or inefficient shaving of hair in the armpit can also cause armpit pain. Using dull or dirty blades increases the risk of infection and leads to inflammation of the hair follicles. As a result, you may notice small, painful bumps or ingrown hairs. To avoid this discomfort, use a clean, sharp blade when shaving. Also, be sure to moisturize your skin to avoid excessive dryness and irritation.

Armpit infection and pain

Bacterial skin infections sometimes cause armpit pain. Bacteria thrive in warm, humid environments. A bacterial infection may cause irritation, pain, or swelling. Other skin infections may be the result of a fungus or a chronic condition known as hidradenitis. It occurs when hair follicles and sebaceous glands become clogged, especially under the armpits and in the groin. This condition is often described as a severe form of acne. It is possible that the immune system overreacts to inflammation, resulting in tight scarring and deep skin infections. In addition to axillary pain, itching, tenderness, multiple cysts, and boils may occur6 recurrent infections.

For common skin infections, a dermatologist will usually prescribe antibiotics or antifungals. Hidradenitis requires anti-inflammatory drugs, and doctors often recommend surgery. Antibiotics are prescribed for more serious infections.

Muscle strain and armpit pain

Heavy lifting or contact sports that require excessive muscle strain can lead to pain and tension. Pain occurs in the muscles of the arms and in the axillary region. For minor injuries, axillary pain usually resolves within a week. If the pain persists for more than 7 days and does not improve with rest, or if you notice a painful lump in or around your armpit, contact your podiatrist.

Shingles and armpit pain

Shingles is an infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus that causes a painful rash that usually appears on the chest, back and underarms. Other signs of this infection include tingling in the armpit, burning or itching, blisters, and severe pain leading to a rash. Treatment for lichen requires taking antiviral drugs to improve symptoms. If armpit pain does not improve, a dermatologist may prescribe pain medications or anti-inflammatory medications to reduce symptoms in the affected area.

Inflamed axillary lymph nodes and armpit pain

If a significant viral or bacterial infection develops in the body, the lymph nodes may swell and cause armpit pain.

Breast cancer and armpit pain

Breast cancer is another cause of swelling and pain in the armpit. In the early stages of cancer, symptoms may be mild or absent. If the cancer spreads outside the breast, it affects the lymphatic system in the armpits. If abnormalities appear in the armpit or around the chest, immediately seek medical help from a mammologist. Breast cancer can develop even if no lump is felt in the breast. Treatment options depend on the type and stage of breast cancer.

Angina and armpit pain

Angina is a condition in which severe chest pain occurs due to a temporary decrease in blood flow to the heart. Symptoms of this condition can cause pain in the left armpit and shoulder, as well as fatigue, dizziness, difficulty breathing, pain in the chest, jaw and neck, sweating, nausea and vomiting, and abdominal pain. Angina can be treated with medications, surgery, and lifestyle changes. Quitting smoking, controlling high blood pressure, lowering cholesterol levels, controlling diabetes, and getting regular physical activity are all included in the treatment plan.

Which doctor diagnoses and treats armpit pain

Armpit pain caused by minor irritation or muscle tension should resolve within a week. However, if the pain is caused by a more serious complication or infection, the symptoms will continue and may require long-term treatment and consultation with:

• dermatologist-allergist
• mammologist
• orthopedist
• cardiologist.

According to the results of the initial examination, the doctor will prescribe an MRI, ultrasound, ECG to clarify the diagnosis.

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Enroll Modern approaches to the treatment of Hodgkin’s disease // Modern Oncology. 2002.V.4.No.1.S.29-33.

Tsesarsky M.A. Ultrasound mammography in the diagnosis of breast cancer that has developed in a fibroadenoma or cyst / M. A. Tsesarsky, I.G. Frolova, E.M. Slonimskaya and others // Materials of the Nevsky Radiological Forum. St. Petersburg, 2003. – S.166-167.

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MRI of the mammary glands

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Armpit pain – General information, Causes.

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General information

When abducting the arm, the axillary region is clearly detected . Today, there are a number of very diverse reasons why a person who considers himself almost completely healthy can feel armpit pain. For example, such unpleasant and even painful sensations in the armpits can occur as a result of primary injuries, the development of numerous neoplasms in the chest area, as a result of pathological processes in the lymph nodes.

Sometimes such pains may be indicative of disturbances in the work of the whole cardiovascular system of a person. Also, pain in the armpits can be associated with certain inflammatory diseases and with many other reasons. We offer as much detail as possible to consider all of the possible causes of such sensations.

Causes of pain in the armpit

Pain from the area of ​​lumps in the mammary gland can radiate to the armpit of the same side of the body, which is due to violation of the outflow of lymph developing against the background of breast engorgement before menstruation – cyclic mastalgia. Very rarely in such cases it is possible to detect enlarged lymph nodes in the armpit. They are usually single, soft, painless, easily displaced.

The onset of pain in the premenstrual period and the weakening or disappearance with the onset of menstruation. Sometimes there is no clear connection with the onset of menstruation. Usually bilateral localization, mainly in the upper, outer areas of the mammary glands. Different intensity of painful sensations: from dull, aching (more often) to pronounced, making it difficult to move the hands. The examination may reveal slight tuberosity of the breast tissue.

The severity of clinical manifestations usually increases with age and decreases sharply or disappears after menopause . The occurrence of cyclic mastalgia is associated with changes in hormonal levels. More than 2/3 of women, usually of young reproductive age, suffer from this type of disorder, although similar complaints are known in women in the postmenopausal period receiving hormone replacement therapy.

Hydradenitis is caused by staphylococci when they penetrate into the sweat glands of a special structure, located in large numbers in the armpit. These special glands begin to function only during puberty, so hydradenitis never occurs in children.

At the beginning of the disease, the patient experiences a sharp pain in the affected armpit, in which purulent nodes appear dark red, swelling. In the center of the abscesses, cone-shaped protrusions are formed, opening up and giving way to a creamy purulent content. Healing occurs by the formation of an inverted scar. Often, hidradenitis tends to recur.

Operations

0003 pain in the armpit and breast where the operation was performed. This is due to the fact that when the skin is cut, small nerves are damaged. This simultaneously leads to numbness and pain as a result of irritation of the endings of these nerves. Exposure to radiation can also aggravate the condition, as it irritates the skin and its nerve fibers.

Pain in the armpit after surgery can last quite a long time. At the very beginning, this pain can be acute. Additional pain is created by the drainage that occurs in the wound. Usually, opiates are prescribed immediately after the operation, since at this moment the pain is most significant. If necessary, opiates are prescribed in combination with anti-inflammatory drugs, which allows you to reduce their dose and reduce side effects. Gradually, over time, pain in the armpit decreases, may appear numbness and itching.

Another real cause of pain in the armpit is usually called earlier surgical actions of doctors, both in the area of ​​the armpit itself, and in the area of ​​ mammary glands of women. As a rule, during such surgical interventions, some injury (partial or complete damage) of the nerve endings, which are physiologically located around the mammary gland itself, can inevitably occur and pass along the entire armpit area.