Also known as
Costochondritis
Description
- The sternum (breastbone) is connected to multiple ribs (costal means rib). Each rib meets the breastbone at a seperate joint, or connection. If these joints become inflamed or swollen, the condition is known as costochondritis.
- When there is pain, tenderness, and swelling in this area, it is known as Tietze’s syndrome
Symptoms
- Chest pain is worse with a cough or deep breath
- Chest pain is worse with movement
- Tenderness of the area (joints) where the breastbone meets the ribs
Cause
- Often unknown
- Straining of chest wall
- Chest wall Injury
How the diagnosis is made
- Based on the exclusion of other causes.
- X-ray to rule out other causes, such as cancer if diagnosis is not clear
Treatment
- Anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen
- Narcotic pain medicine for symptoms, only if needed
- Corticosteroid injections into joint spaces affected, in more severe cases
Similar Conditions
- Pericardial effusion
- Pneumonia
- Pneumothorax
- Muscle strain
- Trauma
- Rheumatoid arthritis