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The inflammation of the cartilage that joins a rib to the breastbone is known as costochondritis (sternum). Costochondritis pain may resemble that of a heart attack or other cardiac illness.
Chest wall discomfort syndrome, costosternal syndrome, and costosternal chondrodynia are all names for costochondritis. Swelling can sometimes accompany pain (Tietze syndrome).
It is unknown what causes costochondritis. Treatment focuses on relieving pain until the problem improves on its own, which might take several weeks or longer.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF COSTOCHONDRITIS?
Costochondritis discomfort typically:
- Happens on the left side of your breastbone.
- Is stinging, aching, or pressure-like
- Tends to affect more than one rib
- Can spread to the arms and shoulders
- Worsens while taking a big breath, coughing, sneezing, or moving the chest wall.
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF COSTOCHONDRITIS?
Costochondritis is frequently caused by an unknown factor. Costochondritis, on the other hand, may be related with trauma, disease, or physical strain, such as excessive coughing.
WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS FOR COSTOCHONDRITIS?
Costochondritis is more common in women over the age of 40.
Tietze syndrome is most common in adolescence and young adults, and it affects both men and women equally.
HOW IS COSTOCHONDRITIS DIAGNOSED?
A health care practitioner will feel around your breastbone for discomfort or edema during the physical exam. The physician may also move your rib cage or arms in specific ways to try to elicit symptoms.
Costochondritis discomfort might be similar to pain from heart disease, lung disease, gastrointestinal difficulties, and osteoarthritis. There is no laboratory or imaging test that can confirm a costochondritis diagnosis. However, a doctor may conduct some tests, such as an electrocardiogram and a chest X-ray, to rule out other diseases.
WHAT ARE THE TREATMENTS FOR COSTOCHONDRITIS?
Costochondritis normally resolves on its own, but it can continue several weeks or longer. The treatment focuses on pain management.
Medications
Your doctor may advise you to do the following:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications: Some of these medications, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, and others) and naproxen sodium (Aleve, and others), are available without a prescription. Prescriptions are required for stronger versions. Damage to the stomach lining and kidneys are possible side effects.
- Narcotics: If the pain is excruciating, a doctor may give a narcotic such as tramadol (Ultram). Narcotics can become addictive.
- Antidepressants: Tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline, are frequently used to treat chronic pain, particularly when it interferes with sleep.
- Anti-seizure medications: Gabapentin (Gralise, Neurontin) has also been shown to be effective in the treatment of chronic pain.
Therapies
Physical therapy treatments may include the following:
- Stretching exercises: Gentle chest muscle stretching exercises may be beneficial.
- Nerve stimulation: Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a method in which a device administers a mild electrical current through adhesive patches on the skin near the location of pain. Pain signals may be interrupted or masked by the current, preventing them from reaching the brain.
Surgery or other medical treatments
If conservative methods fail, a corticosteroid and numbing drug might be injected directly into the aching joint.
HOME REMEDIES FOR COSTOCHONDRITIS
It can be discouraging to know that there is nothing that can be done to treat costochondritis. However, self-care measures such as the ones listed below may be beneficial.
- Nonprescription pain relievers: Acetaminophen (Tylenol, for example), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, for example), or naproxen sodium (Aleve, for example) may be beneficial.
- Topical pain relievers: Creams, gels, patches, and sprays are examples of these. They may contain nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) or numbing agents. Some kinds include capsaicin, the compound that gives hot peppers their spiciness.
- Ice or heat: Several times a day, use hot compresses or a heating pad to the aching area. Maintain a low heat setting. Ice may also be beneficial.
- Rest: Avoid or modify activities that may aggravate pain.