Costochondritis is a condition that causes pain in the cartilage that connect your ribs to your sternum (breastbone). Cartilage is the tough, bendable tissue that protects your bones. Show
What causes costochondritis?The cause of costochondritis may be unknown, or it may be caused by any of the following:
What are the signs and symptoms of costochondritis?Costochondritis causes pain in the area where your sternum joins with your ribs. The pain may come and go, and may get worse over time. The pain may be sharp, or dull and aching. It may be painful to touch your chest. The pain may spread to your back, abdomen, or down your arm. It may get worse when you move, breathe deeply, or push or lift an object. The pain may make it hard for you to sleep or do your usual activities. How is costochondritis diagnosed?Your healthcare provider will ask you about your signs and symptoms. He or she will also do a physical exam. He or she will touch your chest and may move your arms to see if this causes pain. How is costochondritis treated?Costochondritis pain may go away without treatment, usually within a year. Your treatment depends on the cause of your costochondritis. You may need any of the following:
Treatment optionsThe following list of medications are in some way related to or used in the treatment of this condition. View more treatment options What can I do to help decrease the pain caused by costochondritis?
When should I contact my healthcare provider?
Care AgreementYou have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.© Copyright Merative 2022 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes. Learn more about CostochondritisTreatment optionsCare guidesFurther informationAlways consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. When you experience chest pain, you might assume that you have pneumonia, a bruised rib or even a heart problem. Costochondritis, a lesser-known cause of chest pain, is more common. Prescribed and over-the-counter medications can help with the swollen cartilage that causes your sharp pain.
OverviewWhat is costochondritis?Costochondritis is a harmless swelling (inflammation) of cartilage in your chest. The cartilage connects your ribs to your breastbone (sternum), creating the costochondral joint. Costochondritis feels like a sharp or aching pain. The pain can start suddenly or develop slowly and spread across your chest. Because the pain is in your chest, you might misinterpret costochondritis as a heart attack. How common is costochondritis?Costochondritis is a common diagnosis in people with chest pain. One study revealed that 30% of people who go to the emergency department with chest pain are diagnosed with costochondritis. Who is at risk for costochondritis?Adults (especially people assigned female at birth) older than 40 are at a higher risk for costochondritis. In adolescents aged 12 to 14, costochondritis accounts for 10% to 30% of chest pain complaints. Is costochondritis contagious?No, costochondritis isn’t contagious. The condition can’t be spread from you to another person. Is costochondritis life-threatening?No, costochondritis isn’t life-threatening. It’s common for the chest pain to be misinterpreted as a heart attack. But costochondritis is not fatal. Treatments are available to help you heal from this condition. Symptoms and CausesWhat causes costochondritis?It’s 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. What are the symptoms of costochondritis?If you have costochondritis, you’ll feel pain that may start on the left side of your chest and spread (radiate) out to the rest of your chest. Sometimes the pain spreads to your stomach and your back. What makes costochondritis worse?You may notice that your costochondritis pain worsens when:
Diagnosis and TestsHow is costochondritis diagnosed?Diagnosing costochondritis starts with a process of elimination. When you go to your healthcare provider with chest pain, they’ll 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. Your healthcare provider will make a diagnosis of costochondritis based on your symptoms and their physical findings. Normally, there is no need for further testing. Management and TreatmentHow is costochondritis treated?Remember that you should always see a healthcare provider if you’re experiencing chest pain. It’s vital to get the right diagnosis so you can receive the best treatment. Your healthcare provider might first recommend over-the-counter medications that can help reduce the swelling and pain in your chest. Medications include:
Take one dose two to three times per day, or as your healthcare provider recommends. If those don’t help with your pain and swelling, your healthcare provider may prescribe:
Do I need to see a specialist about costochondritis?If needed, your primary healthcare provider may refer you to a rheumatologist (a physician who specializes in diseases of the muscles, bones and joints) or a surgeon. Do I need surgery for costochondritis?Surgery for costochondritis is rare. Sometimes, if other treatments aren’t successful, your surgeon may remove cartilage. A surgery that removes cartilage is called a chondrectomy. What are the at-home treatments for costochondritis?There are ways you can help reduce symptoms of your costochondritis at home. Suggestions include:
Does diet play a role in recovering from costochondritis?Although you might be willing to try anything to reduce the pain or speed your recovery from costochondritis — even make changes to your diet — there’s really nothing you eat or drink that affects how you heal from costochondritis. What happens if I don’t get treatment for costochondritis?In most instances, costochondritis heals with or without treatment. Your healthcare provider may recommend medications and treatments that help with your pain and swelling. Remember that you shouldn’t automatically assume that your chest pain is costochondritis. If you have severe chest pain, you should go to the emergency department for treatment. Don’t wait to see if it just goes away. How long does costochondritis last?Costochondritis isn’t permanent, but it can last for several months. Sometimes it can return again after it heals. PreventionCan costochondritis be prevented?There isn’t any one cause of costochondritis. Some of the causes might be preventable, while others might not be. For example, you can do your best to avoid exercising too much or coughing too hard. But, you may not be able to avoid costochondritis caused by an injury to your chest during a car crash. What medications may reduce my risk of costochondritis?Injury and infection, the common causes of costochondritis, can’t be prevented with medications. Can my diet help prevent costochondritis?Diet doesn’t prevent costochondritis. There’s nothing you can eat or drink that can reduce your risk. Outlook / PrognosisWhat’s the outlook for people with costochondritis?You may have costochondritis for several months. It’s not permanent or harmful pain. Treatments can help relieve your symptoms. Can costochondritis go away on its own?Yes, costochondritis generally goes away on its own. But it can take several months. Take good care of yourself and get enough rest until your symptoms go away. When can I get back to my normal daily activities?Costochondritis shouldn’t prevent you from doing your normal activities, although the sharp or heavy pain may make you uncomfortable. Can costochondritis come back after it’s been treated?Yes, costochondritis can come back after it heals. This is called a relapse. Living WithWhen should I contact my healthcare provider?See your healthcare provider immediately if you’re experiencing chest pain. If you’ve been diagnosed with costochondritis, contact your healthcare provider if your pain gets worse or doesn’t get any better with treatment. When should I go to the emergency department for costochondritis?Always go to the emergency department if you have severe chest pain. Also, call emergency services or go to the emergency department right away if you experience any of the following problems:
What questions should I ask my healthcare provider about costochondritis?
Frequently Asked QuestionsIs costochondritis a type of cancer?Chest pain can be frightening because it can be related to serious conditions. Some cancers, like lung cancer, can cause chest pain. Like costochondritis, the pain people experience when they have lung cancer gets worse when they cough. But, costochondritis isn’t a type of cancer. Don’t hesitate to go to the emergency department if you have severe chest pain, though. You’ll want to know the cause of the pain so that you can get the best treatment. What’s the difference between costochondritis and Tietze’s syndrome?Costochondritis and Tietze’s syndrome are sometimes confused because they have similar symptoms. Two differences between them are:
Is costochondritis a symptom of COVID-19?Both costochondritis and COVID-19 cause chest pain. If your chest pain is severe, you should go to the emergency department. Your healthcare provider will figure out whether the cause of your chest pain is costochondritis or something else. Is costochondritis a symptom of fibromyalgia?No, costochondritis and fibromyalgia are different conditions. People with fibromyalgia have long-lasting (chronic) muscle and joint pain all over their bodies. Costochondritis only causes pain in your chest, which sometimes travels to your back and stomach. Are GERD and costochondritis related?Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or chronic acid reflux is where your stomach acid flows up your esophagus and into your mouth. It causes heartburn, chest pain and acid indigestion. While costochondritis causes an aching, heavy or sharp pain, GERD is a burning pain. Can you have costochondritis for years?Costochondritis shouldn’t last long. Tell your healthcare provider if your chest pain lasts longer than a few weeks. How should I sleep with costochondritis?There’s no special way to sleep that helps with the pain from costochondritis. You may have to experiment with sleeping in different positions to see if lying one way or another is less painful. Can costochondritis cause back pain?Yes, the pain of costochondritis can sometimes spread (radiate) to your back. It may feel sharp or aching. Can costochondritis cause nausea?Nausea is not a symptom of costochondritis. Intense, aching or sharp chest pain are symptoms of costochondritis. The pain may get worse because of:
Remember that you should go to the emergency department if you have severe chest pain. Can costochondritis cause trouble breathing?Difficulty breathing is not a symptom of costochondritis, but it’s understandable if it feels difficult because of the chest pain, especially when that pain gets worse because of a deep breath or a cough. Go to the hospital immediately if you’re having trouble breathing. This is an emergency. A note from Cleveland Clinic Chest pain may be a very scary symptom. If your chest pain is severe, you should go to the emergency department to find out what’s causing it. It might be costochondritis or it might be a heart attack or some other serious condition. If it’s costochondritis, there’s no reason to worry. Costochondritis is a short-term swelling of the cartilage. Treatments are available to help reduce the pain associated with costochondritis while you heal. Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Print Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 11/12/2021. References
Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy Related Institutes & ServicesOrthopaedic & Rheumatologic InstituteCleveland Clinic offers expert diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation for bone, joint or connective tissue disorders and rheumatic and immunologic diseases. Related Institutes & ServicesOrthopaedic & Rheumatologic InstituteCleveland Clinic offers expert diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation for bone, joint or connective tissue disorders and rheumatic and immunologic diseases. More health news + infoShow More
Facebook Twitter YouTube Instagram LinkedIn Pinterest Snapchat ActionsAppointments & AccessAccepted InsuranceEvents CalendarFinancial AssistanceGive to Cleveland ClinicPay Your Bill OnlineRefer a PatientPhone DirectoryVirtual Second OpinionsVirtual VisitsBlog, News & AppsConsult QDHealth EssentialsNewsroomMyClevelandClinicMyChartAbout Cleveland Clinic100 Years of Cleveland ClinicAbout UsLocationsQuality & Patient SafetyOffice of Diversity & InclusionPatient ExperienceResearch & InnovationsCommunity CommitmentCareersFor EmployeesResources for Medical ProfessionalsSite Information & PoliciesSend Us FeedbackSite MapAbout this WebsiteCopyright, Reprint & LicensingWebsite Terms of UsePrivacy PolicyNotice of Privacy PracticesNon-Discrimination Notice9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44195 | 800.223.2273 | © 2022 Cleveland Clinic. All Rights Reserved. What does it mean when your sternum hurts?Sternum pain is usually felt in the chest area, and it is normally associated with various problems that are considered serious such as heart disease. However, most of the time, the pain is caused by inflammation or an injury to the breastbone. This means that the pain is not related to a heart condition.
What causes pain in the left side of the chest?Pain under your left rib cage can occur anywhere in your upper chest, upper abdomen, or the left side of your upper back. Sharp pains in the center of your chest due to breastbone inflammation. Jabbing piercing pains on one side of your chest or the other side caused by pneumonia or a collapsed lung.
What does it mean when your left side Hurts under ribs?Costochondritis is inflammation of the breastbone (sternum) that can result in sudden sharp pains on the left side under your ribs. Sternum pain can be caused by chest infections or minor traumas to your breastbone.
What are the symptoms of a pinched sternum?There are some symptoms that you will experience if you have this condition: 1 You may start to experience pain on the left side of the sternum. 2 The pain in your chest may increase when you breathe deeply. 3 You may feel a general pain in the rib cage.
Why does the left side of my sternum hurt?You can have pain in this area because of infection, inflammation, injury, or the breakdown of cartilage affecting the sternum itself. Problems with nearby organs like the heart, lungs, and esophagus can also cause pain in this area. This includes a heart attack, pleurisy (a lung inflammation), and acid reflux.
Why is my left upper chest sharp pain go and come?Pain in the chest that comes and goes may signal a problem with the heart, respiratory system, or digestion. Also, in some people, it occurs during panic attacks. There is no way to accurately self-diagnose chest pain based on symptoms alone.
What does a costochondritis flare feel like?Costochondritis is inflammation where your ribs join the bone in the middle of your chest (breastbone). It can cause sharp chest pain, especially when moving or breathing. It usually gets better on its own over time.
Does sternum pain come and go?Costochondritis causes pain in the area where your sternum joins with your ribs. The pain may come and go, and may get worse over time. The pain may be sharp, or dull and aching.
|