Alternative Names
Chest wall pain
Definition of Costochondritis
Costochondritis is an inflammation of a rib or the cartilage connecting a rib. It is a common cause of chest pain.
Signs and tests
Your health care provider can diagnose costochondritis by pressing on the area where the ribs meet the chest bone (sternum). If this area is tender and sore, costochondritis is the most likely cause of your chest pain. However, your doctor should make this diagnosis only after speaking with you and examining you.
Treatment
Anti-inflammatory medicines (such as ibuprofen) are used to treat costochondritis.
Expectations (prognosis)
With treatment, the condition usually goes away in a few days.
Review
Linda Vorvick, MD, Family Physician, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. – 11/16/2008
