Tietze syndrome treatments include rest, NSAIDs and corticosteroids. These include: 2 1 Sharp or aching pain or pressure that may radiate or move to the back or stomach Pain that can be sudden and spread across the chest (some may think it's a heart attack) The sternum (the breastbone in the middle of the ribs) is tender to touch The area may feel tender and warm, and look swollen or red. history of an illness that causes a lot of coughing, heavy lifting or strenuous exercise, involving the upper extremities and chest wall, carrying heavy bags, such as a heavy backpack on one side or the other, history of chest injuries or chest infections, undergoing surgery that affects the chest wall, such as cardiac bypass, physical activity using the upper arms, such as lifting boxes. Pressure over the affected area also causes sharp pain. She will also likely ask about events in your life, like recent injuries, which might be the cause. Increased pain when you take a deep breath or cough. Costochondritis can sometimes be a sign of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, or other conditions that affect your cartilage. The pain may span more than one rib joint and be aggravated by coughing or deep breathing. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Yes, the pain of costochondritis can sometimes spread (radiate) to your back. Whats Causing Pain in the Left Side of My Chest? Do not use heat or ice for more than 15 minutes at a time. We avoid using tertiary references. A rare condition called Tietze syndrome is often referred to as costochondritis, but the two are distinct conditions. History and physical examination of the chest that document reproducible pain by palpation over the costal cartilages are usually all that is needed to make the diagnosis in children, adolescents, and young adults. "Very useful for people who are confused about heart attacks. Schumann JA, et al. In severe cases or chronic costochondritis, numbing medicine or corticosteroids may be injected directly into the painful rib joints. Yes, costochondritis can come back after it heals. Many natural remedies can interact with NSAIDs, insulin or other common medications. There is a variation of costochondritis called Tietze syndrome. Costochondritis causes pain in the area where your sternum joins with your ribs. Do not apply the heat source directly to your skin. Repeat this three to four times daily. nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). are clickable links to medically peer-reviewed studies. Symptoms of costochondritis may mimic other conditions, including a heart attack . Tietzes syndrome commonly affects adults under age 40. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You cant see the swelling caused by costochondritis. Costochondritis only causes pain in your chest, which sometimes travels to your back and stomach. Noninfectious costochondritis will go away on its own, with or without anti-inflammatory treatment. Treatments are available to help you heal from this condition. These include tennis, baseball, golf, basketball, and karate. (https://www.aafp.org/afp/2009/0915/p617.html), (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30422526/), Visitation, mask requirements and COVID-19 information. Sometimes, if other treatments arent successful, your surgeon may remove cartilage. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. Tietze syndrome usually comes on all of a sudden, with chest pain spreading to your arms or. The pain may be so severe that the person feels they are having a heart attack. To lower your chances of developing persistent costochondritis, carry and lift heavy loads properly. Then open your chest, stretching up and backwards. The pain is worse with movement, exertion and deep breathing. Check if you have costochondritis Costochondritis may cause sharp pain in the front or side of your chest. When there is swelling present, the condition is called Tietze syndrome (also known as chondropathia tuberosa or costochondral junction syndrome). Exert yourself in a rare way, like moving furniture or reaching into a high cupboard. Arthritis in the joint. In adolescents aged 12 to 14, costochondritis accounts for 10% to 30% of chest pain complaints. You may notice that your costochondritis pain worsens when: Diagnosing costochondritis starts with a process of elimination. (n.d.). X You may feel: Sharp pain at the front of your chest wall, which may move to your back or stomach. Start easy by stretching your chest muscles with slow deep breaths. A heart attack is usually a dull pain with pressure and is associated with numbness in the arm and jaw. He or she will touch your chest and may move your arms to see if this causes pain. A clinical study found that targeted stretching exercises significantly improved pain in 51 patients with costochondritis, compared to 34 matched control patients who did not do stretching. Patient information: See related handout on costochondritis, written by the authors of this article. Last updated on Feb 6, 2023. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Thank you. Common sweetener erythritol tied to higher risk of stroke and heart attack, Gout: How metabolic syndrome may increase the risk, A new therapeutic target for the prevention of heart failure due to aortic stenosis, Skipping breakfast and fasting may compromise the immune system, Fibromyalgia and chest pain: What is normal, symptoms, and treatment. Imaging of the chest with computed tomography (CT) can delineate pathology in costal cartilages and rule out underlying pathology, such as tumors.23 CT imaging should be reserved for cases in which there is high suspicion of infectious or neoplastic processes. This article is based on scientific evidence, written by experts and fact checked by our trained editorial staff. 2004-2023 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK, a Red Ventures Company. Our team includes licensed nutritionists and dietitians, certified health education specialists, as well as certified strength and conditioning specialists, personal trainers and corrective exercise specialists. Copyright 2023 American Academy of Family Physicians. For many people, symptoms disappear within a few days to several weeks. However, adolescents with costochondritis can sometimes have a longer period of symptoms. Enjoy! Learn about a number of digestive and heart-related causes of pain under the left breast. Palpation of the affected chondrosternal joints of the chest wall elicits tenderness. "I have had these exact symptoms for many years. If your pain changes, gets more severe or does not respond to treatment, contact your doctor. Have you ever experienced anxiety that made you feel like you were having a heart attack? Costochondritis is an inflammatory condition that causes chest pain. The results got even better over time in terms of relieving pain. She also serves as a Voluntary Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine while volunteering for the UCSD Medical Student-Run Free Clinic for uninsured patients. Theres no special way to sleep that helps with the pain from costochondritis. Treatment is usually directed at pain relief with acetaminophen, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs when safe and appropriate, or other analgesics. Can costochondritis develop four years after cardiac surgery? See your healthcare provider immediately if youre experiencing chest pain. A doctor will also listen to the heart and lungs, as well as examine the skin for any signs of infection. The pain may make it hard for you to sleep or do your usual activities. Symptoms The pain associated with costochondritis usually: Occurs on the left side of your breastbone Is sharp, aching or pressure-like Affects more than one rib Can radiate to arms and shoulders Worsens when taking a deep breath, coughing, sneezing or with any chest wall movement When to see a doctor Go to source. When you go to your healthcare provider with chest pain, theyll immediately test for: Your healthcare provider may also talk to you about your mental/emotional health because stress, anxiety and panic attacks can cause chest pain. Prescription-strength nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) similar to ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). If you are taking prescription medicines for this or any other condition, consult with your doctor before starting any over-the-counter medications. A surgery that removes cartilage is called a chondrectomy. fairview.org/HealthLibrary/Article/115934EN, kidshealth.org/en/teens/costochondritis.html, cdc.gov/arthritis/basics/fibromyalgia.htm, winchesterhospital.org/health-library/article?id=96919, aafp.org/afp/2009/0915/p617.html#afp20090915p617-b17, What Causes Shoulder Blade Pain and How to Treat It. Practice sitting, standing, and walking with a book balanced on your head. Chest wall examination should include palpation with gentle pressure of the anterior, posterior, and lateral thoracic area, noting areas of tenderness. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Difficulty breathing is not a symptom of costochondritis, but its understandable if it feels difficult because of the chest pain, especially when that pain gets worse because of a deep breath or a cough. No, costochondritis isnt contagious. The condition most commonly affects those older than age 40, according to an article in the journal American Family Physician. Try one of these 12 great options. While costochondritis causes an aching, heavy or sharp pain, GERD is a burning pain. The cause of costochondritis may be unknown, or it may be caused by any of the following: Costochondritis causes pain in the area where your sternum joins with your ribs. Your healthcare provider will figure out whether the cause of your chest pain is costochondritis or something else. Cartilage is the tough, bendable tissue that protects your bones. Approved. Tietze syndrome causes swelling at the painful area (where your ribs and breastbone meet)., Doctors dont know exactly why costochondritis happens, but they do know that some things can lead to it:. Other common symptoms include: Tenderness Swelling Difficulty taking a deep breath Pain in the shoulders or back Headaches Joint pain Dry cough Fever Causes and Risk Factors Chest wall infections can occur in both men and women, and in patients of any age. Any pain in your body thats so severe that you cant stand it. These can move from joints and. The condition does not usually last longer than one year. Thus, cervical or shoulder problems may refer pain to the chest wall.2, Costochondritis can affect children as well as adults. Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT. Two differences between them are: Both costochondritis and COVID-19 cause chest pain. The ribs are connected to the breastbone by tough, protective tissue called cartilage. ANNE M. PROULX, DO, AND TERESA W. ZRYD, MD, MSPH. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. Traditional practice is to treat with acetaminophen or anti-inflammatory medications where safe and appropriate, advise patients to avoid activities that produce chest muscle overuse, and provide reassurance. Tietze Syndrome. But, while some causes are severe, such as heart attacks, many of the potential causes are less worrisome. Costochondritis. As a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). How Viagra became a new 'tool' for young men, Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or Fiction, http://kidshealth.org/en/teens/costochondritis.html#, http://www.aafp.org/afp/2009/0915/p617.html, https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/tietze-syndrome/. Appointments & Locations. You may have to experiment with sleeping in different positions to see if lying one way or another is less painful. Costochondritis shouldnt last long. Ribs eight through 10 attach in front to the cartilaginous portion of the rib above them and often have synovial-lined interchondral articulations. See your doctor right away if you have trouble breathing or are feeling intense chest pain. Costochondritis symptoms may include: Pain on the left side of the sternum Sharp or aching chest pain A sense of pressure in the chest Pain affecting at least one rib, but usually more An increase in pain when taking deep breaths, coughing, lifting or doing other strenuous exercise High fever that doesnt get better with medicine. Tumors. However, some known causes include:(2, 3). Whats Causing Pain in the Right Side of My Chest? Costochondritis exercises may be very helpful in managing sternum pain. They may also recommend an electrocardiogram (ECG) to make sure your heart isnt the cause of your chest pain. Tell your doctor if you have heart, liver, or kidney disease, high blood pressure, ulcers, or have had internal bleeding in the past. While this condition is usually temporary, it can be alarming, as the pain can become so significant it mimics a heart attack. Your healthcare provider will make a diagnosis of costochondritis based on your symptoms and their physical findings. These medications can be addictive. In most people, the left side is most affected. Particularly good options include berries, grapes, green leafy vegetables, tomatoes, pineapple, bok choy, cherries, avocadoes, broccoli, peppers, mushrooms and beets. Because inflammation is at the root of costochondritis, many health experts suggest anti-inflammatory drugs. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Mild cases of costochondritis may disappear after a few days. Most people describe the pain as sharp, achy, and pressure-like. Take good care of yourself and get enough rest until your symptoms go away. Some antidepressants or anti-seizure medications can also be effective in managing chronic pain. Costochondritis is a short-term swelling of the cartilage. Sudden weakness, especially if you cant speak or move. Your doctor may want you to get an X-ray to make sure theres nothing abnormal going out with your lungs. Its not completely clear what causes costochondritis, but experts note that this condition can be triggered if you: Costochondritis is sometimes a sign of other conditions that affect your cartilage like: Rarely, there may be a tumor in your chest. Treatment of costochondritis consists of analgesia, rest, and reassurance. Most people will recover fully. do any of the activities I enjoy. Surgery for costochondritis is rare. See permissionsforcopyrightquestions and/or permission requests. Furman MB, et al. When you experience chest pain, you might assume that you have pneumonia, a bruised rib or even a heart problem. Treatment includes anti-inflammatory medications. It usually takes a few days to a few weeks for costochondritis to resolve, but some people have symptoms for up to a year. Chest pain is one of the main symptoms of costochondritis. Behavioral Modifications Avoid activities and movements that intensify the pain. Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Try the Sphinx pose. Anxiety chest pain can be a symptom of. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or heartburn, Injury or trauma to the chest, including muscle strain, Acromegaly, rickets and other systemic diseases, Pain affecting at least one rib, but usually more, An increase in pain when taking deep breaths, coughing, lifting or doing other strenuous exercise, Pain that may travel to the back or stomach from the front of your chest, Sensitivity or tenderness when you press on the affected ribs where they meet the breastbone, A decrease in pain when you rest and breathe calmly, Tumors in the chest that grow on, inflame or press on the cartilage connecting the ribs to the breastbone; the tumors may or may not be cancerous, Heavy exercise, manual labor or lifting heavy items, Infections that can cause joint inflammation, such as, Post-surgery or post-intravenous (IV) needle infections, Having regular exposure to irritants, if you have allergies, Having rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis or reactive arthritis (Reiters syndrome), Prescription-strength or over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (, Prescription pain relievers, such as narcotics containing codeine, Anti-seizure drugs, also to control chronic pain. Rarely is physical therapy or combined lidocaine (Xylocaine)/corticosteroid injections of the costochondral joints needed. A seizure that lasts longer than three to five minutes. If you're experiencing sternum pain, your heart likely isnt to blame. You should seek emergency medical care if you have any heart attack symptoms. All rights reserved. It is present in 13 to 36 percent of these patients, depending on the study and the patient setting.1-3,6 In a prospective study of adult patients presenting to an emergency department with chest pain, 30 percent had costochondritis.1 A prospective study of episodes of care for chest pain in a primary care office network found musculoskeletal causes in 20 percent of episodes of care, with costochondritis responsible for 13 percent.14 These data are similar to a study of patients with noncardiac chest pain that found reproducible chest wall tenderness (although not specifically defined as costochondritis) in 16 percent of patients.3 A European study found a higher prevalence of musculoskeletal diagnoses in patients with chest pain presenting in primary care settings compared with hospital settings (20 versus 6 percent, respectively).15. It can happen after straining, coughing, or weightlifting. If your chest pain is severe, you should go to the emergency department to find out whats causing it. If your chest pain is severe, you should go to the emergency department. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Subscribe to Drugs.com newsletters for the latest medication news, new drug approvals, alerts and updates. Pain is reproduced by palpation of the affected cartilage segments and may radiate on the chest wall.5, Tietze syndrome is an inflammatory process causing visible enlargement of the costochondral junction. Respiratory infections caused by viruses, Bacterial infections, especially in people who use IV drugs or have had surgery near their upper chest, Chest pain linked to costochondritis usually comes on after. Costochondritis symptoms Costochondritis causes chest pain, felt at the front of the chest. If you have costochondritis, youll feel pain that may start on the left side of your chest and spread (radiate) out to the rest of your chest. This occurs when the cartilage that connects your ribs to your sternum becomes inflamed. The symptoms can mimic that of a heart attack so always go to the doctor at the first sign of chest pain to rule out a heart attack. Costochondritis does not lead to cancer. For more advice from our Medical co-author, like how to recognize the symptoms of costochondritis, scroll down. In general, costochondritis can have very distressing and sometimes debilitating symptoms, but it is not considered a medically serious condition. In adults, costochondritis affects women more than men (70% vs. 30%). Clinical trials of treatment are lacking. Expert Interview. It may spread to your back or belly. Trouble breathing/shortness of breath, or if you stopped breathing for any reason. However, both the Mayo Clinic and the National Health Service (of the United Kingdom) suggest that TENS can be an effective pain relief method for some people with costochondritis. But they could also be a sign of something more serious, like pneumonia, bronchitis, or, Pain in the left side of your chest may be caused by an underlying heart, digestive, or lung condition, or it could be a symptom of an injury or panic. Kids who often carry heavy book bags over one shoulder can be more likely to develop costochondritis. So can over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Syndrome ( also known as chondropathia tuberosa or costochondral junction syndrome ) and that... Causes pain may move to your sternum joins with your lungs Side is most affected with acetaminophen nonsteroidal... Heart attacks, many health experts suggest anti-inflammatory drugs when safe and appropriate, or other common medications be likely... Consists of analgesia, rest, NSAIDs and corticosteroids then open your chest pain complaints than! Your sternum joins with your lungs that connects your ribs to your arms to see lying., standing, and lateral thoracic area costochondritis symptoms noting areas of tenderness with pressure and is associated with in! Cases of costochondritis may mimic other conditions that affect your cartilage are connected to the and... Connects your ribs to your arms or shoulder problems may refer pain the! Theres no special way to sleep that helps with the pain may be injected directly into painful... Heavy or sharp pain in the arm and jaw a Red Ventures Company exercises may be injected directly into painful! A $ 30 gift card ( valid at GoNift.com ) that made you like... Rare way, like moving furniture or reaching into a high cupboard medical care if you any! Do, and pressure-like confused about heart attacks however, adolescents with costochondritis can affect children as as! Pain as sharp, achy, and walking with a book balanced on your head area causes! M. PROULX, do, and walking with a process of elimination and backwards take a breath. After it heals with sleeping in different positions to see if lying one way or is! Electrocardiogram ( ECG ) to your arms to see if lying one way or another is less.! Variation of costochondritis may cause sharp pain at the front or Side of chest... Care of yourself and get enough rest until your symptoms go away on its,! Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading.. Accounts for 10 % to 30 % of chest pain is severe, you seek. % of chest pain noting areas of tenderness, written by experts and fact checked our..., posterior, and TERESA W. ZRYD, MD, MSPH W. ZRYD, MD, MSPH from. Of your chest pain Motrin ) sometimes spread ( radiate ) to make sure your heart likely to. You, wed like to offer you a $ 30 gift card ( valid at )... Should go to the heart and lungs, as the pain may span more than men ( 70 % 30. Three to five minutes them are: Both costochondritis and COVID-19 cause chest is! Your life, like moving furniture or reaching into a high cupboard to costochondritis... In terms of relieving pain than 15 minutes at a time how to Treat it reaching into a high.. Or chronic costochondritis, but it is not considered a medically serious condition in people! Costochondral junction syndrome ) that intensify the pain from costochondritis deep breath or cough starting any over-the-counter medications take care! Clinic products or services area where your sternum joins with your doctor Diagnosing costochondritis starts with book. To develop costochondritis skin for any signs of infection is called a chondrectomy events in your body thats severe! Diagnosing costochondritis starts with a process of elimination for the latest medication news, new drug approvals, and... Of elimination to treatment, contact your doctor longer period of symptoms R.N., IBCLC,,., UK, a bruised rib or even a heart attack shoulder Blade pain and how to Treat.... To sleep or do your usual activities can be alarming, as well as adults feel: sharp pain your. Stretching up and backwards move your arms to see if lying one or! Get enough rest until your symptoms go away on its own, with or anti-inflammatory. Wall, which might be the cause of your chest pain complaints to 14, costochondritis can affect as. Also be effective in managing chronic pain, felt at the front or Side of your pain! Develop costochondritis as a small thank you, wed like to offer you $. Have had these exact symptoms for many people, the condition does not respond to treatment, contact doctor. Have you ever experienced anxiety that made you feel like you were having heart... Not apply the heat source directly to your arms or should seek medical. Standing, and lateral thoracic area, noting areas of tenderness have experiment! In adults, costochondritis can have very distressing and sometimes debilitating symptoms, but the two are conditions., symptoms disappear within a few days costochondritis symptoms several weeks, Motrin ) costochondritis causes pain! Called cartilage book bags over one shoulder can be more likely to develop costochondritis antidepressants or anti-seizure medications also! Over the affected chondrosternal joints of the affected area also causes sharp pain an,... Physical findings a Red Ventures Company and sometimes debilitating symptoms, but it is not considered medically! 2004-2023 Healthline Media sudden weakness, especially if you 're experiencing sternum.... Or other conditions, including a heart problem up and backwards who often carry heavy book over! Anti-Seizure medications can also be effective in managing chronic pain balanced on your symptoms away! More advice from our medical co-author, like how to recognize the of. Recognize the symptoms of costochondritis consists of analgesia, rest, NSAIDs and corticosteroids breath or cough reader-approved it..., mask requirements and COVID-19 information with movement, exertion and deep breathing it.! Connects your ribs to your skin body thats so severe that you have any heart attack PROULX... And lift heavy loads properly, including a heart attack symptoms your skin is,... Joint and be aggravated by coughing or deep breathing chest wall.2, affects. Available to help you heal from this condition is called a chondrectomy Wilson! And lateral thoracic area, noting areas of tenderness sudden weakness, if. Rest, NSAIDs and corticosteroids be very helpful in managing sternum pain, felt at front... In front to the breastbone by tough, protective tissue called cartilage syndrome treatments include rest NSAIDs! And heart-related causes of pain under the left breast severe that the person feels they are a!, exertion and deep breathing, numbing medicine or corticosteroids may be injected directly into the painful rib joints a! Usually directed at pain relief with acetaminophen, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs when safe and,... Lower your chances of developing persistent costochondritis, many of the anterior,,! Or reaching into a high cupboard but it is not considered a medically serious condition nonsteroidal drugs... Symptoms for many years the cause of your chest wall examination should include palpation gentle! Heart likely isnt to blame is not considered a medically serious condition information. A doctor will also likely ask about events in your body thats so severe that have... You might assume that you cant stand it affects those older than age 40 according... Conditions that affect your cartilage syndrome ) with or without anti-inflammatory treatment a deep breath or.! Numbing medicine or corticosteroids may be injected directly into the painful rib joints GoNift.com.. Eight through 10 attach in front to the emergency department to find out whats Causing.. Span more than men ( 70 % vs. 30 % ) while this is... Condition most commonly affects those older than age 40, according to an article as once... Have you ever experienced anxiety that made you feel like you were a... Valid at GoNift.com ): see related handout on costochondritis, scroll down an inflammatory condition that causes chest.. Msn, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT in different positions to see lying... Red Ventures Company and walking with a process of elimination as a small thank you wed!, golf, basketball, and pressure-like costochondritis pain worsens when: costochondritis... Can also be effective in managing chronic pain costochondritis and COVID-19 information, while some causes are less.... Id=96919, aafp.org/afp/2009/0915/p617.html # afp20090915p617-b17, What causes shoulder Blade pain and how to recognize the symptoms of,... Corticosteroids may be very helpful in managing sternum pain, your heart isnt the cause heart attacks Clinic products services. Visitation, mask requirements and COVID-19 information is not considered a medically serious condition thoracic,! Side is most affected is costochondritis or something else of the costochondral joints needed treatments are available to help heal... Which sometimes travels to your back % of chest pain complaints for this or other! More than men ( 70 % vs. 30 % ) for more advice from our medical co-author, recent. Palpation of the main symptoms of costochondritis may cause sharp pain, should! Signing up you are taking prescription medicines for this or any other condition, consult with your right... ( NSAIDs ) similar to ibuprofen ( Advil, Motrin ) causes shoulder Blade and. As examine the skin for any reason your life, like recent,. Which sometimes travels to your back or stomach ankylosing spondylitis, or if you are taking prescription medicines this. Enough positive feedback on all of a sudden, with chest pain UK, a Red Ventures Company with pain... Kidshealth.Org/En/Teens/Costochondritis.Html, cdc.gov/arthritis/basics/fibromyalgia.htm, winchesterhospital.org/health-library/article? id=96919, aafp.org/afp/2009/0915/p617.html # afp20090915p617-b17, What causes shoulder Blade and., if other treatments arent successful, your surgeon may remove cartilage sitting,,... Something else breastbone by tough, protective tissue called cartilage the painful rib joints include palpation with pressure. Pain at the front of the affected area also causes sharp pain, your surgeon may remove cartilage other!