What is costochondritis?
Costochondritis is 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.)
Another name for this problem is Tietze's syndrome.
It is more common in women than men and tends to occur more
often in people over 40 years old.
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.
Many times the cause cannot be found.
What are the symptoms?
The main symptom of costochondritis is pain or tenderness in
the front of the chest near the breastbone. It occurs most
often on the left side of the upper chest. 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 health care provider right away for any chest pain.
How is it diagnosed?
Your health care 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 ibuprofen or naproxen. Acetaminophen may help the
pain if you cannot or should not take anti-inflammatories.
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.
- 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.
This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to
change as new health information becomes available. The
information is intended to inform and educate and is not a
replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or
treatment by a healthcare professional.
Copyright © 2005 McKesson Corporation and/or one of its subsidiaries. All Rights Reserved.
This
information is approved and/or reviewed by U-M Health System providers
but it is not a tool for self-diagnosis or a substitute for medical
treatment. You should speak to your physician or make
an appointment to be seen if you have questions or concerns about
this information or your medical condition.