What is costochondritis. How is costochondritis diagnosed. What are the main symptoms of costochondritis. What causes costochondritis. How is costochondritis treated. When should you seek medical attention for chest pain. What is the prognosis for costochondritis.

Understanding Costochondritis: A Common Cause of Chest Pain

Costochondritis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the cartilage connecting the ribs to the breastbone (sternum). This inflammation can cause sharp chest pain, often mimicking more serious conditions like heart attacks. To better understand this condition, let’s explore its key aspects.

What Exactly is Costochondritis?

Costochondritis occurs when the costal cartilage, which connects the ribs to the sternum, becomes inflamed. This inflammation can result in localized pain and tenderness in the chest area. While it may be alarming due to its location, costochondritis is generally not a serious condition and often resolves on its own over time.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Costochondritis

The primary symptom of costochondritis is chest pain, but it’s important to understand its specific characteristics:

• Sharp pain in the front or side of the chest
• Pain that worsens with movement, deep breathing, or lying down
• Tenderness when pressing on the affected area
• Pain that may spread to the arms, back, or stomach

How Does Costochondritis Pain Differ from Heart Attack Pain?

While costochondritis can cause significant discomfort, it’s crucial to differentiate it from more serious conditions like heart attacks. Costochondritis pain is typically localized and worsens with movement or pressure on the chest wall. In contrast, heart attack pain often spreads to the arms, jaw, or back and is accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating, and nausea.

Causes and Risk Factors for Costochondritis

The exact cause of costochondritis is not always clear, but several factors may contribute to its development:

1. Physical trauma or injury to the chest
2. Repetitive strain from activities like heavy lifting or intense exercise
3. Viral or bacterial infections, particularly respiratory infections
4. Chronic coughing
5. Certain inflammatory conditions like fibromyalgia or rheumatoid arthritis

Can Costochondritis Be Prevented?

While it’s not always possible to prevent costochondritis, certain measures may help reduce the risk:

• Practicing proper form during exercise and heavy lifting
• Avoiding overexertion and repetitive chest movements
• Managing underlying conditions that may contribute to inflammation
• Maintaining good posture to reduce strain on the chest wall

Diagnosing Costochondritis: What to Expect

Diagnosing costochondritis typically involves a combination of physical examination and medical history review. Here’s what you can expect during the diagnostic process:

Physical Examination

Your healthcare provider will likely perform a thorough physical examination, focusing on the chest area. They may apply pressure to various points along the sternum and ribs to identify areas of tenderness or pain. This examination helps differentiate costochondritis from other potential causes of chest pain.

Medical History Review

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, their onset, and any factors that may exacerbate or alleviate the pain. They’ll also inquire about any recent injuries, illnesses, or activities that could have contributed to the condition.

Additional Tests

In most cases, costochondritis can be diagnosed based on physical examination and medical history alone. However, if there’s uncertainty or concern about other potential causes of chest pain, your doctor may recommend additional tests such as:

• Chest X-ray to rule out other chest conditions
• Electrocardiogram (ECG) to check for heart-related issues
• Blood tests to assess for inflammation or infection

Treatment Options for Costochondritis

While costochondritis often resolves on its own over time, several treatment options can help manage symptoms and promote recovery:

Over-the-Counter Pain Relief

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen can help reduce pain and inflammation associated with costochondritis. These medications can be effective for mild to moderate cases.

Rest and Activity Modification

Avoiding activities that exacerbate chest pain and allowing the affected area to rest can aid in recovery. This may include temporarily refraining from intense exercise or heavy lifting.

Heat or Cold Therapy

Applying heat or cold to the affected area may help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. Some individuals find relief with warm compresses, while others prefer cold packs. Experiment to see which approach works best for you.

Physical Therapy

In some cases, physical therapy may be recommended to improve posture, strengthen chest muscles, and reduce strain on the costal cartilage. A physical therapist can provide exercises and techniques tailored to your specific needs.

Prescription Medications

For severe or persistent cases of costochondritis, your doctor may prescribe stronger pain medications or corticosteroids to reduce inflammation. These treatments are typically reserved for cases that don’t respond to conservative measures.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Chest Pain

While costochondritis is generally not life-threatening, it’s crucial to seek medical attention if you experience chest pain, especially if it’s severe or accompanied by other symptoms. Here are some guidelines for when to seek help:

Urgent Medical Care

Contact your healthcare provider or seek urgent care if:

• You suspect you have costochondritis and want to rule out other conditions
• Your chest pain is severe or worsening
• You have a fever or other signs of infection
• Your symptoms persist despite home treatment

Emergency Medical Attention

Call emergency services immediately if you experience:

• Sudden, severe chest pain that spreads to your arms, back, jaw, or neck
• Chest pain accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating, or nausea
• Chest pain that lasts more than 15 minutes
• Any symptoms that suggest a possible heart attack

Living with Costochondritis: Managing Symptoms and Preventing Recurrence

While costochondritis can be uncomfortable and disruptive, there are several strategies you can employ to manage symptoms and reduce the likelihood of recurrence:

Lifestyle Modifications

Making certain changes to your daily routine can help alleviate costochondritis symptoms and prevent future flare-ups:

• Practice good posture to reduce strain on the chest wall
• Use proper lifting techniques to avoid chest injuries
• Engage in low-impact exercises that don’t exacerbate chest pain
• Manage stress through relaxation techniques or mindfulness practices

Pain Management Techniques

In addition to medication, several non-pharmacological approaches can help manage costochondritis pain:

• Deep breathing exercises to promote relaxation and reduce chest tension
• Gentle stretching to improve flexibility and reduce muscle tightness
• Massage therapy to alleviate muscle tension in the chest and surrounding areas
• Acupuncture or acupressure, which may provide pain relief for some individuals

Long-Term Outlook and Prognosis

What is the typical prognosis for costochondritis? Most cases of costochondritis resolve on their own within a few weeks to several months. However, some individuals may experience recurring episodes or chronic symptoms. Working closely with your healthcare provider to develop an effective management plan can help improve your long-term outlook and quality of life.

Costochondritis vs. Tietze Syndrome: Understanding the Difference

Costochondritis is often confused with Tietze syndrome, another condition affecting the costal cartilage. While both conditions cause chest pain, there are some key differences:

Costochondritis Characteristics

• Typically affects multiple ribs
• Pain and tenderness without visible swelling
• More common in adults over 40

Tietze Syndrome Characteristics

• Usually affects one rib, often the second or third
• Accompanied by visible swelling at the rib-sternum junction
• More common in young adults under 40

Understanding these differences can help in obtaining an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.

Complementary and Alternative Approaches to Costochondritis Management

While conventional treatments are the mainstay of costochondritis management, some individuals find relief through complementary and alternative approaches. These methods may be used in conjunction with traditional treatments, but it’s important to consult with your healthcare provider before trying any new therapies:

Herbal Remedies

Certain herbs with anti-inflammatory properties may help alleviate costochondritis symptoms:

• Turmeric: Contains curcumin, a potent anti-inflammatory compound
• Ginger: May help reduce inflammation and pain
• Boswellia: Also known as Indian frankincense, it has anti-inflammatory effects

Mind-Body Techniques

Practices that focus on the mind-body connection can help manage pain and reduce stress associated with costochondritis:

• Meditation and mindfulness practices
• Yoga or tai chi, with modifications to avoid exacerbating chest pain
• Guided imagery or progressive muscle relaxation

Topical Treatments

Some individuals find relief from costochondritis pain through topical applications:

• Arnica gel: A natural anti-inflammatory
• Capsaicin cream: Derived from chili peppers, it may help reduce pain
• Essential oils: Peppermint or eucalyptus oil may provide a cooling, pain-relieving effect when diluted and applied topically

While these complementary approaches may offer benefits for some individuals, it’s crucial to remember that scientific evidence supporting their efficacy for costochondritis is limited. Always prioritize evidence-based treatments recommended by your healthcare provider.

Costochondritis in Special Populations

While costochondritis can affect anyone, certain populations may have unique considerations or increased risk factors:

Costochondritis in Children and Adolescents

Costochondritis can occur in children and teenagers, often due to growth spurts or participation in sports. Key points to consider include:

• Symptoms may be mistaken for growing pains
• Treatment generally focuses on rest and pain management
• Proper form in sports and activities should be emphasized to prevent recurrence

Costochondritis During Pregnancy

Pregnant women may be more susceptible to costochondritis due to postural changes and increased chest wall strain. Important considerations include:

• Some pain medications may not be suitable during pregnancy
• Physical therapy and posture modifications can be particularly helpful
• Differentiation from other pregnancy-related chest pain is crucial

Costochondritis in Older Adults

Older individuals may face additional challenges with costochondritis:

• Increased risk of misdiagnosis due to other age-related health conditions
• Potential for interactions between costochondritis treatments and existing medications
• Importance of maintaining mobility while managing pain

Understanding these population-specific factors can help in tailoring management strategies and ensuring appropriate care for individuals with costochondritis across different life stages.

Costochondritis – NHS

Costochondritis is inflammation where your ribs join the bone in the middle of your chest (breastbone). It can cause sharp chest pain, especially when moving or breathing. It usually gets better on its own over time.

Check if you have costochondritis

Costochondritis may cause sharp pain in the front or side of your chest.

The pain may be worse when:

• moving your upper body
• lying down
• breathing deeply
• you press the middle of your chest

Urgent advice: Get help from NHS 111 if:

• you think you have costochondritis

It is important to get chest pain checked to rule out other more serious conditions.

You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.

Immediate action required: Call 999 if:

You have sudden chest pain that:

• spreads to your arms, back, neck, or jaw
• makes your chest feel tight or heavy
• started with a shortness of breath, sweating, feeling sick or being sick
• lasts more than 15 minutes

You could be having a heart attack. Call 999 immediately as you need immediate treatment in hospital.

Treatments for costochondritis

Costochondritis usually gets better on its own, over time. It can last for a few weeks to several months.

Painkillers that help with inflammation, like ibuprofen, may be recommended to help with the pain.

If you have very bad pain that does not get better over time, you may be offered a steroid injection to help reduce inflammation or local anaesthetic to ease the pain.

Causes of costochondritis

It is not always known what causes costochondritis, but it may be caused by:

• an injury to your chest
• repetitive upper body movements, like lifting
• coughing a lot

Sometimes it may be caused by a problem with the joints in the back, or another underlying condition like fibromyalgia or rheumatoid arthritis.

It can also be caused by an infection.

Page last reviewed: 26 July 2022
Next review due: 26 July 2025

Costochondritis Information | Mount Sinai

Chest wall pain; Costosternal syndrome; Costosternal chondrodynia; Chest pain – costochondritis

All but your lowest 2 ribs are connected to your breastbone by cartilage. This cartilage can become inflamed and cause pain. This condition is called costochondritis. It is a common cause of chest pain.

The ribs are the skeletal protection for the lungs and the chest cavity. The ribs and rib muscles expand and contract with normal breathing.

Causes

There is often no known cause of costochondritis. But it may be caused by:

• Chest injury
• Hard exercise or heavy lifting
• Viral infections, such as respiratory infections
• Strain from coughing
• Infections after surgery or from IV drug use
• Some types of arthritis

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of costochondritis are pain and tenderness in the chest. You may feel:

• Sharp pain at the front of your chest wall, which may move to your back or stomach
• Increased pain when you take a deep breath or cough
• Tenderness when you press the area where the rib joins the breastbone
• Less pain when you stop moving and breathe quietly

Exams and Tests

Your health care provider will take your medical history and do a physical exam. The area where the ribs meet the breastbone is checked. If this area is tender and sore, costochondritis is the most likely cause of your chest pain.

A chest x-ray may be done if your symptoms are severe or do not improve with treatment.

Your provider may also order tests to rule out other conditions, such as a heart attack.

Treatment

Costochondritis most often goes away on its own in a few days or weeks. It can also take up to a few months. Treatment focuses on relieving the pain.

• Apply hot or cold compresses.
• Avoid activities that make the pain worse.

Pain medicines, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve), may help to ease pain and swelling. You can buy these without a prescription.

• Talk with your provider before using these medicines if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney disease, liver disease, or have had stomach ulcers or internal bleeding in the past.
• Take the dose as advised by the provider. Do not take more than the amount recommended on the bottle. Carefully read the warnings on the label before taking any medicine.

You may also take acetaminophen (Tylenol) instead, if your provider tells you it is safe to do so. People with liver disease should not take this medicine.

If your pain is severe, your provider may prescribe stronger pain medicine.

In some cases, your provider may recommend physical therapy.

Outlook (Prognosis)

Costochondritis pain often goes away in a few days or weeks.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call 911 or the local emergency number, or go to your local emergency room right away if you have chest pain. The pain of costochondritis can be similar to the pain of a heart attack.

If you have already been diagnosed with costochondritis, contact your provider if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Trouble breathing
• A high fever
• Any signs of infection such as pus, redness, or swelling around your ribs
• Pain that continues or gets worse after taking pain medicine
• Sharp pain with every breath

Prevention

Because the cause is often unknown, there is no known way to prevent costochondritis.

Crasto JA, Vaswani RS, Pauyo T, Musahl V. Overview of sport-specific injuries. In: Miller MD, Thompson SR. eds. DeLee, Drez, & Miller’s Orthopaedic Sports Medicine. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 9.

Hanak JA. Tietze syndrome. In: Frontera WR, Silver JK, Rizzo TD Jr, eds. Essentials of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation: Musculoskeletal Disorders, Pain, and Rehabilitation. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 117.

Kurz J. Costosternal syndrome. In: Frontera WR, Silver JK, Rizzo TD Jr, eds. Essentials of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation: Musculoskeletal Disorders, Pain, and Rehabilitation. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 101.

Last reviewed on: 10/20/2022

Reviewed by: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Professor, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

Middle chest pain: possible causes, treatment

Doctors call the phenomenon when a person has pain in the chest in the middle, thoracalgia. There can be a lot of reasons for the appearance of pain syndrome, from the most harmless to quite serious pathologies. In order not to miss an important “alarm bell” from your body, it is best to contact a neurologist , who will examine you and determine why your chest began to hurt.

Middle chest pain: causes

There can be many reasons why pain appeared in the middle of the chest, so it is worth considering the intensity of the pain syndrome, its frequency and the specific localization of pain. By doing this, it will be possible to narrow the search for pathology leading to unpleasant sensations.

Heart pathologies

Pain in the chest is often associated with diseases of the cardiovascular system, the heart. If you feel thoracic all the time, this may indicate an aortic aneurysm. In this case, the pain in the left or right side of the chest is felt for a long time, and it will become stronger every time the person moves from rest to physical activity. The condition is treated exclusively surgically, so hospitalization will be required to confirm this diagnosis. Pain in the center of the chest in front can also appear if a pulmonary embolism develops. The pain syndrome becomes stronger on inspiration, and taking analgesics allows you to suppress it. Compressive pain may indicate that a person has angina pectoris, and pain can also be a symptom of myocardial infarction.

Respiratory damage

If there is pain in the front in the center of the chest, and at the same time you feel interruptions in breathing, you cannot breathe deeply, cough and shortness of breath appear, the problem may be the occurrence of pulmonary diseases, which include tracheitis, pneumonia, bronchitis, pleurisy and some others. The same symptoms can occur with diseases of the diaphragm.

Injuries

Pain in front of the chest, in the middle, or between the ribs may occur in a person who has survived an accident, has been involved in a fight, or has damaged chest structures from a fall or blow. Such pains intensify when he tries to turn around, bend down, take a deep breath, and are explained by the fact that blood vessels rupture, the periosteum is damaged, cracks and fractures form. In such a situation, at rest, the pain syndrome can disappear almost completely, which gives a person a false confidence that there is no need to consult a doctor.

Diseases of the spine

The most common reason why the chest hurts in the middle is osteochondrosis, if we talk about the pathologies of the spinal column. Pain in osteochondrosis can be constant or manifest in the form of seizures. The pain will be the same in intensity and manifestation with radiculopathy in the thoracic spine. Also, pain syndrome can indicate an intervertebral hernia and congenital anomalies in the structure of the spinal column.

Neurological diseases

Causes of pain in the chest in the middle can be neuralgic in nature. The most common diagnosis in this case is intercostal neuralgia, in which it is very painful in the sternum, it radiates to the back under the shoulder blade, which makes it easy for a person to confuse pain with heart pain.

Esophageal problems

Pain in the shoulder blades and in the middle of the chest may be associated with pathologies of the esophagus. The reason in this case is, as a rule, a spasm, which manifests itself more often in the morning or after eating. Pain in the chest area is relieved by taking antispasmodic drugs. Often spasms of the esophagus are accompanied by spasm of the muscular walls of the stomach.

How to relieve pain. First Aid

Often a person who has pain in the middle of the chest does not know what to do in such a situation. Some people are in so much pain that they faint. At the same time, a strong fright is observed, the pulse rate increases, the skin turns pale. The first thing to do if suddenly a person has severe pain in the sternum, internal organs and spine:

Also, if a person has pain in the middle of the chest, it is best to ask everyone present to leave the room and ensure complete rest for the patient until the ambulance arrives.

Diagnostics

The first thing the doctor will do is to interview and examine the patient, which will narrow the search for pathology by concomitant signs. After that, various diagnostic procedures can be prescribed to determine the cause of the pain syndrome. 9 may be useful0003 magnetic resonance or computed tomography , x-ray , ultrasound , blood tests, etc. This will determine why there are pains in the middle of the chest that radiate to the back, upper limbs or ribs.

Which doctor to contact

If you are able to visit the clinic on your own, you can make an appointment with the general practitioner . He will determine the approximate cause of the pain syndrome and the direction of further search, as well as give you directions for diagnostic procedures and, if necessary, to specialized specialists. In the event that there is a sharp pain in the chest in the middle, it is difficult and difficult to move, it is impossible to get out of bed without pain, call an ambulance. After the examination at home, the specialist will provide first aid and determine whether you need to be taken to the hospital.

You can make an appointment with specialists online , as well as by phone 8 (812) 901-03-03.

Costal chondritis (Tietze’s syndrome) – treatment, symptoms, causes, diagnosis

Costal chondritis (often called Tietze’s syndrome) is an inflammation in the cartilaginous attachment of the ribs to the sternum. The disease is characterized by local pain in the chest, aggravated by palpation and pressure on these areas. Costal chondritis is a relatively harmless condition and usually goes away without treatment. The cause of occurrence is not known.

• Costochondritis is a common cause of chest pain in childhood and adolescence and accounts for 10-30% of all chest pain in this age group. It most often occurs between the ages of 12-14 years.
• Costal chondritis is also considered a possible diagnosis in adults who have chest pain. Chest pain in adults is considered a potentially serious symptom of the disease and, first of all, it is necessary to exclude the pathology of the heart (ECG, tests, examination, etc.). Only after a thorough examination and exclusion of the cardiac genesis of pain can we assume the presence of costal chondritis. Sometimes differential diagnosis is difficult. In adults, costal chondritis is more common in women.

Costal chondritis is often referred to as Tietze’s syndrome. Tietze’s syndrome is a rare inflammatory disorder characterized by chest pain and cartilage swelling at the attachment of the second or third rib to the sternum. The pain occurs acutely and radiates to the arm, shoulder. Both men and women get sick more often between the ages of 20 and 40. It occurs mainly in people whose work is associated with physical activity or athletes.

Causes

Costal chondritis is an inflammatory process in cartilage, usually without any specific cause. Repeated minor chest injuries and acute respiratory infections can cause soreness in the area of ​​attachment of the ribs (both the effects of the viruses themselves and frequent coughing on the areas of attachment of the ribs). Sometimes costal chondritis occurs in people who take parenteral drugs or after surgery on the chest. After surgery, damaged cartilage tissue is more susceptible to infection due to impaired blood supply.

Symptoms

Chest pain associated with costal chondritis is usually preceded by physical exertion, minor trauma, or acute upper respiratory infections.

• The pain usually appears acutely and is localized in the anterior region of the chest. The pain may radiate down or more often to the left side of the chest.
• The most common localization of pain is the region of the fourth, fifth and sixth ribs. Pain is aggravated by movement of the body or deep breathing. And, conversely, there is a decrease in pain at rest and with shallow breathing.
• Soreness, which is clearly detected on palpation (pressure in the area of ​​​​attachment of the ribs to the sternum). This is a characteristic feature of chondritis and the absence of this feature suggests that the diagnosis of costal chondritis is unlikely.

When costal chondritis is caused by a postoperative infection, swelling, redness and/or pus may be seen in the area of ​​the postoperative wound.

Considering that the symptoms of chondritis often resemble medical emergencies, urgent medical attention should be sought in the following cases:

• Breathing problems
• High temperature
• Signs of an infectious disease (swelling, redness in the area of ​​attachment of the ribs)
• Persistent chest pain with nausea, sweating
• Any chest pain without clear localization
• Increased pain during treatment

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is based on the medical history and physical examination.