Costochondritis: What It Is, Causes & What to Expect

Costochondritis is a common reason for chest pain that can understandably make many people anxious about more serious health issues. The good news is that it’s usually not considered a serious health concern according to the AAFP. This inflammation affects the cartilage that connects your ribs to your breastbone and can cause some discomfort and tenderness in the chest area, but with the right care, it's typically manageable. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what causes costochondritis, its symptoms, and what you can expect during diagnosis and treatment, aiming to clarify this common yet often misunderstood condition.

What is costochondritis?

According to the AAFP, costochondritis is a condition where the cartilage connecting your ribs to your breastbone or sternum becomes inflamed. It often leads to localized pain and tenderness in the chest, which can sometimes be confused with more serious issues like heart problems. The discomfort usually comes from the costosternal, costochondral, or costovertebral joints and can vary in intensity. You might notice it feels worse with certain movements, deep breathing, or when you're physically active.

While the exact cause of costochondritis can sometimes be a bit of a mystery, it may be triggered by things like repetitive trauma, heavy lifting, or even viral infections. The AAFP notes that it's most often found in adults, especially those between the ages of 20 and 40. Although the pain can feel quite concerning, the good news is that costochondritis is generally seen as a harmless condition. With the right diagnosis and treatment—like taking it easy, undergoing physical therapy, and using anti-inflammatory medications—most individuals can look forward to a full recovery without any lasting effects or complications.

Costochondritis symptoms

It's really helpful to understand the symptoms of costochondritis, as this helps in recognizing the condition and telling it apart from other possible sources of chest pain. The discomfort that comes with costochondritis can change in intensity and appear in various ways. Some common symptoms you might notice according to the AAFP include:

• Pain affecting more than one rib is often localized to the upper chest area.

• Pain that worsens with deep breathing, coughing, sneezing, or stretching the trunk muscles.

• Tenderness when pressing on the affected areas of the chest.

• A sensation of tightness or pressure in the chest, which may mimic heart-related issues.

Costochondritis causes and risk factors

Understanding what causes costochondritis and the risk factors involved can really help us get a clearer picture of how this condition develops and who might be more prone to it. According to the AAFP, there are several factors that can lead to the inflammation of the chest cartilage, resulting in discomfort and pain.

Causes

• Chest or rib injuries, such as those sustained during falls or accidents.

• Coughing or vomiting too hard, which can strain the chest muscles and cartilage.

• Infections in your chest, including respiratory infections that may lead to inflammation.

Risk Factors

• Athletes who play contact sports as they are more prone to injuries and trauma.

• People with physically demanding jobs that require heavy lifting or repetitive motions.

How is costochondritis diagnosed?

When diagnosing costochondritis, it’s important to have a thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional. This helps to understand your condition and rule out other possible causes of chest pain. According to the AAFP, since costochondritis is often diagnosed by elimination, your healthcare provider might suggest some additional tests like X-rays, electrocardiograms (ECGs), or blood tests to make sure that it isn’t something like heart disease, pulmonary issues, or infections. You might notice that there's tenderness when pressure is applied to the costosternal, costochondral, or costovertebral joints, which can also help in confirming the diagnosis. Ultimately, after ruling out other serious conditions and confirming the typical symptoms, a diagnosis of costochondritis can be made so that you can start receiving the right treatment.

What’s the difference between costochondritis and tietze syndrome?

According to the AAFP, Costochondritis and Tietze syndrome both involve inflammation of the cartilage in the chest, but they have some unique traits that help distinguish them. With costochondritis, you might experience pain and tenderness in the costal cartilage without noticeable swelling, and it often affects multiple ribs. On the other hand, Tietze syndrome shares similar pain but also features visible swelling in the affected area, usually right at the costochondral junction of a single rib. It's worth noting that Tietze syndrome is less common and tends to be seen more often in younger individuals. Despite these differences, the treatment options for both conditions are quite alike — focusing on relieving pain with anti-inflammatory medications, rest, and physical therapy, which helps manage the symptoms effectively for everyone.

What to do if you have costochondritis

Costochondritis is generally managed through a combination of rest, over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications, and physical therapy aimed at strengthening the chest muscles and enhancing flexibility. The AAFP notes that most individuals tend to experience a gradual improvement in symptoms, with the duration of the condition typically ranging from a few weeks to several months, contingent upon the severity and underlying causes. Symptoms often transition from a sharp pain to a dull ache as inflammation subsides. Seeking appropriate medical guidance is advisable to facilitate a smooth recovery and minimize potential complications complications.

Urgent care near me

If you have symptoms of costochondritis or other health issues, seek professional help. Use Solv to find urgent care facilities nearby for timely evaluations and treatment.