Costochondritis

Causes

The cause is not often known. Sometimes there is a clear cause of irritation to the area such as:

• Trauma
• Muscle imbalance
• Inflammation of the nervous system
• Recent or current intense coughing

Risk Factors

This problem is more common in women, especially those who are athletes, such as rowers. Other things that may raise the risk are:

• A spine or joints with an unusually large range of motion
• Moving the upper body the same way over and over again

Symptoms

A person may have:

• Sharp pain that may be worse when:
  • Sneezing or coughing
  • Deep breathing
  • Twisting the upper body
• Tenderness or swelling over a joint between the rib and breastbone

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done.

The doctor may do tests to rule out more serious health problems, such as heart or lung issues. Tests may include:

Treatment

This problem will often go away on its own within a few weeks or months. Symptoms can be managed with:

• Supportive care, such as resting the area and using warm or cold packs to ease pain and swelling
• Medicines to ease pain and swelling, such as:
  • Over the counter pain medicines
  • Corticosteroids

People who are not helped by these methods may need physical therapy. An exercise program will be created to help with strength, flexibility, and range of motion.

Prevention

There are no known methods to prevent this health problem.