Costochondritis

What is costochondritis?

Costochondritis is pain caused by inflammation of the joint between a rib and the breastbone (sternum) or between the bony part of the rib and the rib cartilage. (Cartilage is a tough rubbery tissue that lines and cushions the surfaces of joints.) If you have swelling as well as pain, the problem is called Tietze's syndrome.

How does it occur?

Sometimes costochondritis is caused by:

• an injury to the chest; for example, from falling or getting hit by something in the chest
• an infection, such as a cold or flu
• overuse of the chest area from new or excessive exercise

Often there is no clear cause.

What are the symptoms?

The main symptom of costochondritis is pain or tenderness in the front of the chest near the breastbone. It is usually a sharp pain that gets worse if you press on it or move certain ways (stretching, for instance).

Sometimes the pain may be confused with heart attack pain. See your healthcare provider right away for any chest pain.

How is it diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and examine your chest. Costochondritis is not a serious condition, but a heart attack is. Because the pain can be confused with a heart attack, you may need some tests for proper diagnosis of the problem.

How is it treated?

Costochondritis is treated with anti-inflammatory medicines, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen.

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin, may cause stomach bleeding and other problems. These risks increase with age. Read the label and take as directed. Unless recommended by your healthcare provider, do not take for more than 10 days for any reason.
• Check with your healthcare provider before you give any medicine that contains aspirin or salicylates to a child or teen. This includes medicines like baby aspirin, some cold medicines, and Pepto-Bismol. Children and teens who take aspirin are at risk for a serious illness called Reye's syndrome.

Acetaminophen may help the pain if you cannot or should not take anti-inflammatory medicine.

How long will the effects last?

The pain of costochondritis usually lasts for a week or two. It does not cause any long-term problems.

How can I help take care of myself?

• Avoid activities or movements that make the pain worse.
• Sometimes heat makes the pain better. A heating pad on low can be put on the area for 20 minutes 4 to 8 times a day. (Never lie on a heating pad and trap the heat between your body and the pad. You could get burned.)
• When the pain is gone, go back to your normal activities slowly.
• Be sure to stretch and warm up properly before you start any strenuous exercise or activity.

How can I help prevent costochondritis?

You can help prevent chest injury by wearing chest protection during activities such as snowmobiling or riding 4-wheelers or dirt bikes.