Costochondritis Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment

Costochondritis is a medical condition that causes pain and tenderness in the chest area. It occurs when the cartilage connecting the ribs to the breastbone becomes inflamed. The pain associated with costochondritis can be mistaken for a heart attack or other serious heart-related conditions.

Symptoms of costochondritis

Costochondritis typically causes chest pain and tenderness, which can be mistaken for heart-related conditions, such as a heart attack. The chest pain caused by costochondritis can be described as sharp or dull, and is usually felt on one side of the chest. It may be located near the breastbone and may worsen when taking deep breaths, coughing, or sneezing.

The symptoms of costochondritis include:

Chest pain: Costochondritis causes pain in the chest area, which can be sharp or dull. The pain is typically felt on one side of the chest, near the breastbone.
Tenderness: The chest wall may be tender to the touch, and there may be swelling and inflammation in the affected area.
Pain when taking deep breaths or coughing: The pain may worsen when taking deep breaths, coughing, or sneezing.
Radiating pain: In some cases, the pain may radiate to the back or abdomen.
Mild to severe pain: The pain associated with costochondritis can be mild or severe, and may come and go or be constant.

It is important to note that the symptoms of costochondritis can be similar to those of other medical conditions, such as heart attack, pneumonia, or pulmonary embolism. It is important to seek medical attention immediately if you are experiencing chest pain to rule out these and other serious conditions.

What causes costochondritis

The exact cause of costochondritis is not fully understood. However, there are several factors that may contribute to its development. In many cases, costochondritis is the result of repetitive strain or trauma to the chest wall. This can occur from activities such as heavy lifting, intense coughing, or physical activities that involve repetitive upper body movement. Individuals who engage in these types of activities may be at a higher risk of developing costochondritis.

Costochondritis may also be associated with certain medical conditions, such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, or lupus. These conditions can cause inflammation throughout the body, including in the cartilage connecting the ribs to the breastbone. Individuals with these medical conditions may be at a higher risk of developing costochondritis. In some cases, the cause of costochondritis may be unknown. It may be a self-limited condition that resolves on its own with appropriate treatment.

Who’s affected

Costochondritis can affect anyone, but it is more common in adults over the age of 40. It is also more common in women than in men. People who engage in activities that involve repetitive upper body movement or heavy lifting may be at a higher risk of developing the condition. This includes athletes, weightlifters, and individuals whose jobs require them to perform repetitive upper body movements.

Individuals with certain medical conditions, such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, or lupus, may also be at a higher risk of developing costochondritis. These conditions can cause inflammation throughout the body, including in the cartilage connecting the ribs to the breastbone, which can lead to costochondritis.

Costochondritis can also occur in children and adolescents, although it is less common than in adults. In children, it is often associated with respiratory infections, such as bronchitis or pneumonia.

Diagnosing costochondritis

The following steps may be taken to diagnose costochondritis:

Physical exam: A healthcare professional may perform a physical exam to check for tenderness and inflammation in the chest wall. The exam may involve pressing on the chest wall to see if it is tender to the touch.
Medical history: The healthcare professional may ask about symptoms, such as the location of the pain, how long it has been present, and whether the pain is affected by movement or breathing.
Imaging tests: Imaging tests, such as an X-ray or MRI, may be ordered to rule out other conditions that may be causing chest pain. While these imaging tests may not show costochondritis itself, they can rule out other conditions, such as rib fractures or other bone injuries.
Blood tests: In some cases, a healthcare professional may order blood tests to rule out other medical conditions that may be causing chest pain.
ECG: An electrocardiogram (ECG) may be ordered to rule out heart-related conditions, such as a heart attack.
Other diagnostic tests: In rare cases, other diagnostic tests, such as a CT scan or bone scan, may be ordered to rule out other conditions that may be causing chest pain.

Treating costochondritis

Treatment for costochondritis usually involves a combination of rest, pain relief, and physical therapy. The following are common treatments for costochondritis:

Rest: Resting the affected area can help to reduce inflammation and promote healing. Avoiding activities that worsen the pain, such as heavy lifting, can help to alleviate symptoms.
Pain relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can help to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. In some cases, prescription pain medication may be necessary.
Heat or cold therapy: Applying heat or cold to the affected area can help to reduce pain and inflammation. A heating pad or warm compress may help to alleviate symptoms, while a cold pack or ice pack may be more effective for reducing inflammation.
Physical therapy: In some cases, a healthcare professional may recommend physical therapy to help improve the strength and flexibility of the chest wall. This may include exercises to improve posture, stretching, and low-impact aerobic exercises, such as walking or cycling.
Steroid injections: In some cases, a healthcare professional may recommend a steroid injection to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. This is usually reserved for cases in which other treatments have not been effective.
Surgery: Surgery is rarely necessary for the treatment of costochondritis. However, in rare cases, surgery may be necessary to remove damaged cartilage or bone.

Complications of costochondritis

The following are potential complications of costochondritis:

Chronic pain: In some cases, the inflammation and pain associated with costochondritis may persist for an extended period of time, leading to chronic pain. Chronic pain can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life and may require ongoing treatment.
Rib fracture: In rare cases, the inflammation and pain associated with costochondritis may weaken the rib, causing it to fracture. A rib fracture can cause severe pain and may require additional medical treatment.
Anxiety and depression: Chronic pain and discomfort can have a significant impact on an individual’s mental health, leading to anxiety and depression.

Preventing costochondritis

While it may not be possible to completely prevent costochondritis, there are several steps that individuals can take to reduce their risk of developing the condition. These include:

Avoiding repetitive upper body movements: Engaging in activities that involve repetitive upper body movements can put a strain on the chest wall, increasing the risk of developing costochondritis. Individuals who engage in these types of activities should take breaks and stretch regularly to help reduce their risk of developing the condition.
Practicing good posture: Poor posture can place additional strain on the chest wall, increasing the risk of developing costochondritis. Individuals should practice good posture by sitting up straight and keeping their shoulders back and down.
Lifting objects properly: Heavy lifting can put a strain on the chest wall, increasing the risk of developing costochondritis. When lifting heavy objects, individuals should use proper lifting techniques, such as bending at the knees and keeping the object close to the body.
Managing medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as arthritis, can increase the risk of developing costochondritis. Individuals with these conditions should work closely with their healthcare provider to manage their condition and reduce their risk of developing costochondritis.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and a healthy diet, can help to reduce the risk of developing costochondritis.

FAQs

How long does costochondritis last?

The duration of costochondritis can vary depending on the individual and the underlying cause of the condition. In many cases, costochondritis will resolve on its own within a few weeks to a few months with appropriate treatment. However, in some cases, the condition may persist for an extended period of time, leading to chronic pain.

It is important to seek medical attention if you experience chest pain or tenderness to determine the underlying cause of the symptoms and receive appropriate treatment. With prompt diagnosis and treatment, the duration of costochondritis can be minimized, and the risk of complications associated with the condition can be reduced.

What causes costochondritis to flare up?

Costochondritis can flare up or become more severe due to a variety of factors, including:

Physical activity: Engaging in physical activity, such as exercise or heavy lifting, can put a strain on the chest wall and exacerbate the symptoms of costochondritis.
Repetitive movements: Repeating certain movements, such as lifting or reaching, can also exacerbate the symptoms of costochondritis.
Poor posture: Poor posture can place additional strain on the chest wall, leading to the exacerbation of costochondritis symptoms.
Stress: Stress can cause the body to tense up, which can exacerbate the symptoms of costochondritis.
Certain medical conditions: Medical conditions that cause inflammation throughout the body, such as arthritis or lupus, can exacerbate the symptoms of costochondritis.

It is important to identify what factors exacerbate the symptoms of costochondritis in order to manage the condition and reduce the risk of flares.

Costochondritis pain locations

The pain associated with costochondritis can occur in various locations, depending on the affected area of the chest wall. The most common locations of pain include:

Near the breastbone: Pain may be felt near the breastbone, where the cartilage connects the ribs to the breastbone.
Under the breast: Pain may be felt under the breast on one side of the chest.
On the side of the chest: Pain may be felt on one side of the chest, either on the left or right.
In the back: In some cases, the pain associated with costochondritis may radiate to the back.
In the abdomen: In rare cases, the pain associated with costochondritis may radiate to the abdomen.

It is important to note that the location of the pain may vary depending on the individual and the underlying cause of the condition.

Stretches for costochondritis

Stretching can be a useful part of the treatment for costochondritis. The following are some stretches that can help to alleviate symptoms of costochondritis:

Chest stretch: Stand with your arms straight out to the sides and parallel to the ground. Slowly bring your arms forward until you feel a stretch in your chest. Hold for 15-30 seconds, then slowly release.
Upper back stretch: Sit in a chair with your feet flat on the ground. Clasp your hands behind your head and gently pull your elbows back, squeezing your shoulder blades together. Hold for 15-30 seconds, then slowly release.
Shoulder blade squeeze: Sit in a chair with your feet flat on the ground. Clasp your hands behind your back and lift your arms away from your body, squeezing your shoulder blades together. Hold for 15-30 seconds, then slowly release.
Cat-cow stretch: Get on your hands and knees and arch your back up, then down, creating a wave-like motion. Repeat for 10-15 repetitions.

It is important to work with a healthcare professional to determine the best stretches for your individual needs and to ensure that you are performing them correctly. Stretching should be done in conjunction with other treatments, such as rest, pain relief, and physical therapy, as part of an overall treatment plan for costochondritis.

Costochondritis