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Corticosteroid injectionsĬorticosteroids are powerful medicines that can help reduce pain and swelling. NSAIDs are not suitable for people with certain health conditions, including:Ĭontact a GP if your symptoms get worse despite resting and taking painkillers, as you may benefit from treatment with corticosteroids. These medicines are available from pharmacies without a prescription, but you should make sure you carefully read the instructions that come with them before use. Taking a type of medication called a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as ibuprofen and naproxen, 2 or 3 times a day can also help control the pain and swelling.Īspirin is also a suitable alternative, but should not be given to children under 16 years old. Painkillers, such as paracetamol, can be used to ease mild to moderate pain. Treatments for costochondritis Painkillers You may also find it soothing to regularly apply heat to the painful area, such as using a cloth or flannel that's been warmed with hot water. Self-help for costochondritisĬostochondritis can be aggravated by any activity that places stress on your chest area, such as strenuous exercise or even simple movements like reaching up to a high cupboard.Īny activity that makes the pain in your chest area worse should be avoided until the inflammation in your ribs and cartilage has improved. If no other condition is suspected or found, a diagnosis of costrochondritis may be made. a blood test to check for signs of underlying inflammation.
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an infection, including respiratory tract infections and wound infections.physical strain from repeated exercise or sudden exertion you're not used to, such as moving furniture.severe coughing, which strains your chest area.It's not known exactly why the costochondral joint becomes inflamed, but in some cases it's been linked to: Inflammation is the body's natural response to infection, irritation or injury. Make an appointment to see a GP so they can investigate the cause. If you have had chest pain for a while, do not ignore it. If you or someone you're with experiences sudden chest pain and you think there's a possibility it could be a heart attack, dial 999 immediately and ask for an ambulance. It can be difficult to tell the difference between the chest pain associated with costochondritis and pain caused by more serious conditions, such as a heart attack.īut a heart attack usually causes more widespread pain and additional symptoms, such as breathlessness, feeling sick and sweating. pressure on your chest, such as wearing a seatbelt or hugging someone.a particular posture, such as lying down.When the costochondral joint becomes inflamed, it can result in sharp chest pain and tenderness, which may develop gradually or start suddenly. Tietze's syndromeĬostochondritis may be confused with a separate condition called Tietze's syndrome.īoth conditions involve inflammation of the costochondral joint and can cause very similar symptoms.īut Tietze's syndrome is much less common and often causes chest swelling, which may last after any pain and tenderness has gone.Ĭostochondritis also tends to affect adults aged 40 or over, whereas Tietze's syndrome usually affects young adults under 40.Īs the conditions are very similar, most of the information below also applies to Tietze's syndrome. The condition does not lead to any permanent problems, but may sometimes relapse. It acts as a shock absorber, cushioning the joints.Ĭostochondritis may improve on its own after a few weeks, although it can last for several months or more. This area is known as the costochondral joint.Ĭartilage is tough but flexible connective tissue found throughout the body, including in the joints between bones. Costochondritis is the medical term for inflammation of the cartilage that joins your ribs to your breastbone (sternum).