The ribs are connected to the breastbone by tough, protective tissue called cartilage. When this cartilage becomes inflamed, the condition is known as costochondritis or chest wall pain.
While this condition is usually temporary, it can be alarming, as the pain can become so significant it mimics a heart attack. Doctors may also refer to costochondritis as costosternal syndrome or costosternal chondrodynia. The condition will usually resolve on its own with home treatments. Though causes are often unknown, in some instances, the condition can be the result of one or more of the following:.
Chest discomfort and pain may be stabbing, burning, or aching in nature. The ribs most affected are the second to fifth ones. The condition most commonly affects those older than age 40, according to an article in the journal American Family Physician. An estimated percent of those who seek emergency medical attention for chest pain are experiencing costochondritis. The pain associated with costochondritis usually occurs on the left side of the body but can affect both sides.
There is a variation of costochondritis called Tietze syndrome. This condition causes pain associated with costochondritis, as well as swelling of the rib cartilage.
The swelling of Tietze syndrome affects at least one of the upper four ribs, usually the second or third ribs. While the pain associated with costochondritis may subside with time, some people with Tietze syndrome will still experience the swelling.
Although doctors have not defined how prevalent this condition is, they do consider it to be a rare disorder. Other than pain and discomfort, it does not cause any long-term harmful effects. Doctors usually treat costochondritis conservatively. Resting and avoiding strenuous exercise that affects the chest wall can help. So can over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. In rare instances, a doctor may recommend injections of lidocaine or corticosteroids to reduce pain and inflammation.
Other treatments that may help to relieve chest pain include:. Back to Health A to Z. Costochondritis is the medical term for inflammation of the cartilage that joins your ribs to your breastbone sternum. This area is known as the costochondral joint. Cartilage is tough but flexible connective tissue found throughout the body, including in the joints between bones. Costochondritis may improve on its own after a few weeks, although it can last for several months or more.
The condition does not lead to any permanent problems, but may sometimes relapse. Costochondritis may be confused with a separate condition called Tietze's syndrome. Both conditions involve inflammation of the costochondral joint and can cause very similar symptoms.
But Tietze's syndrome is much less common and often causes chest swelling, which may last after any pain and tenderness has gone. Costochondritis also tends to affect adults aged 40 or over, whereas Tietze's syndrome usually affects young adults under As the conditions are very similar, most of the information below also applies to Tietze's syndrome. When the costochondral joint becomes inflamed, it can result in sharp chest pain and tenderness, which may develop gradually or start suddenly.
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. But a heart attack usually causes more widespread pain and additional symptoms , such as breathlessness , feeling sick and sweating. 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 immediately and ask for an ambulance.
If you have had chest pain for a while, do not ignore it. Make an appointment to see a GP so they can investigate the cause. Inflammation is the body's natural response to infection, irritation or injury. In: Ferri's Clinical Advisor 5 Books in 1. Philadelphia, Pa. Accessed Feb. Phillips K, et al. Treatment of musculoskeletal chest pain. McMahon SB, et al. Thoracic pain. Wise CM. Major causes of musculoskeletal chest pain in adults.
Frontera WR, et al. Costernal syndrome. What are the most common causes of chest wall pain? Rochester, Minn.
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