Costochondritis Quiz
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Have chest pain
Pinpoint chest pain
Swelling of the affected area
Chest pain when I breathe
Right side chest pain
Chest pain on left side
Tightness in the chest
Not seeing your symptoms? No worries!
What is Costochondritis?
Inflammation of the cartilage connecting ribs to the breastbone. Causes include physical strain, prolonged vigorous coughing, and viral infections; though in many cases, no clear cause is found.
Typical Symptoms of Costochondritis
- Chest pain when coughing or during deep breathing
- Chest pain
- Left-sided chest pain
- Rib pain
- Right sided chest pain
- Pain that runs along the side of one rib
- Pain in the upper left abdomen
- Moving the arm / shoulder worsens the pain
Diagnostic Questions for Costochondritis
Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this disease:
- Do you have sharp chest pain when coughing or taking a deep breath?
- Are you experiencing chest pain?
- Do you have pain on the left side of your chest?
- Are your ribs hurting?
- Do you have chest pain on the right side?
Treatment of Costochondritis
This condition resolves by itself, but may take several months to fully resolve. Medications like painkillers and anti-inflammatory pills can speed up healing. Simple measures like warm compresses and decreasing physical strain can also help.
Reviewed By:
Scott Nass, MD, MPA, FAAFP, AAHIVS (Primary Care)
Dr. Nass received dual medical degrees from the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and Charles R. Drew University in Medicine and Science. He completed Family Medicine residency at Ventura County Medical Center with subsequent fellowships at Ventura, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, George Washington University, and University of California-Irvine. He holds faculty appointments at Keck School of Medicine of USC, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, and Western University of Health Sciences.
Yoshinori Abe, MD (Internal Medicine)
Dr. Abe graduated from The University of Tokyo School of Medicine in 2015. He completed his residency at the Tokyo Metropolitan Health and Longevity Medical Center. He co-founded Ubie, Inc. in May 2017, where he currently serves as CEO & product owner at Ubie. Since December 2019, he has been a member of the Special Committee for Activation of Research in Emergency AI of the Japanese Association for Acute Medicine. | | Dr. Abe has been elected in the 2020 Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia Healthcare & Science category.
Content updated on Mar 31, 2024
Following the Medical Content Editorial Policy
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People with similar symptoms also use Ubie's symptom checker to find possible causes
- Chest pain all over
- Tight feeling in the chest
- Chest pain caused by exercise
- Pain around the rib cage
- Radiating chest pain
- Pain in the rib
- Chest pain at night
- Tightening in the chest
See full list
Symptoms Related to Costochondritis
Diseases Related to Costochondritis
FAQs
Q.
Pectus Excavatum? Why Your Sternum Is Dipping & Medical Next Steps
A.
Pectus excavatum is a sunken sternum from abnormal rib cartilage growth that can be cosmetic or limit breathing and heart function; doctors assess severity with an exam and imaging like a CT Haller Index plus heart and lung tests to guide options from observation and posture work to vacuum bell or surgery such as Nuss or Ravitch. There are several factors to consider, including severity, symptoms, growth spurts, and connective tissue signs; see below for specific red flags, step by step next actions, and when to seek urgent care or a thoracic surgery referral.
References:
* Wang H, Chen Y, Sun Y, Chen C, Guo Z, Du J, Li G. Etiology, Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Management of Pectus Excavatum: A Comprehensive Review. J Clin Med. 2024 Jan 15;13(2):466. doi: 10.3390/jcm13020466. PMID: 38256333.
* Jürgens P, Vonderhagen S, Hülsemann M, Rabe C, Knab VM, Warkentin M, Löffler L, Strizik A, Gosemann JH, Kluth D, Metzelder ML, Funk M, Knoefel WT, Kalff JC, Scherer M. Pectus Excavatum: Current Opinions on Surgical Repair and Future Directions. Children (Basel). 2023 May 12;10(5):856. doi: 10.3390/children10050856. PMID: 37190035.
* Fonkalsrud EW. Pectus excavatum: A comprehensive review of surgical techniques, outcomes, and considerations. World J Pediatr Surg. 2022 Jul 14;5(3):107-114. doi: 10.1007/s43465-022-00632-6. PMID: 35839071.
* St Peter SD. Pectus excavatum: a primer for primary care physicians. J Pediatr Surg. 2020 Nov;55(11):2343-2346. doi: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2020.07.039. PMID: 32674971.
* Kelly RE Jr. Pectus Excavatum: Current Management and Future Directions. Semin Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2019 Spring;31(1):154-162. doi: 10.1053/j.semtcvs.2018.09.006. PMID: 30885565.
Q.
Sharp Clavicle Pain? Why Your Collarbone Aches & Medical Next Steps
A.
Sharp collarbone pain has many causes, from fractures and AC or SC joint injuries to costochondritis, muscle strain, arthritis, infection, or referred pain from the neck or chest. There are several factors to consider for your next steps, including red flags like chest pressure, trouble breathing, fever, deformity, numbness, or pain after trauma that require urgent care, while other cases may be managed with rest, evaluation, and targeted treatment; for details that could change what you do next, see below.
References:
* Shah, A., & Shah, B. (2023). Clavicle Fractures: A Review of Treatment Options and Complications. *Journal of Orthopaedics, Trauma and Rehabilitation*, *30*, 100481.
* Tauber, M., et al. (2023). Acromioclavicular Joint Injuries: An Overview From Diagnosis to Treatment. *JBJS Reviews*, *11*(4), e22.00192.
* Patel, R. A., et al. (2022). Sternoclavicular Joint Injuries: A Review of Anatomy, Biomechanics, Diagnosis, and Treatment. *Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine*, *10*(12), 23259671221142517.
* Gaskill, T. R., et al. (2021). Osteolysis of the Distal Clavicle: A Review of Anatomy, Etiology, and Treatment. *Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine*, *14*(2), 101-110.
* Sian, K. E., & Parnes, J. J. (2023). Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: A Review of Diagnosis and Management. *Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine*, *16*(2), 55-63.
Q.
Sharp Chest Pain? Why Costochondritis Hurts & Medically Approved Next Steps
A.
Sharp chest pain that is tender to the touch and worse with deep breaths or movement often points to costochondritis, an inflammation of the rib to sternum cartilage that is usually musculoskeletal rather than heart related, but there are several factors to consider. Most people improve with rest, safe NSAIDs, heat or ice, and gentle stretching, yet red flag symptoms require urgent care; see the complete, medically approved next steps and the key ways to tell it from heart pain below.
References:
* Stochkendahl MJ, Christensen HW. Chest pain in focal musculoskeletal disorders. Med Clin North Am. 2010 Nov;94(6):1225-41. doi: 10.1016/j.mcna.2010.08.018. PMID: 21095289.
* Schnabel A, et al. Costochondritis. Dtsch Med Wochenschr. 2011 May;136(20):1083-7. doi: 10.1055/s-0031-1273391. PMID: 21544605.
* Fam AG. Tietze's syndrome: an idiopathic syndrome of the costochondral junction. Curr Rheumatol Rep. 2015 May;17(5):29. doi: 10.1007/s11926-015-0504-8. PMID: 25828453.
* Gorospe J. Chest Wall Syndrome. Clin Sports Med. 2019 Oct;38(4):657-664. doi: 10.1016/j.csm.2019.06.002. PMID: 31563297.
* Disla E, et al. Costochondritis: a review of current recommendations. Front Med (Lausanne). 2021 Jun 28;8:687522. doi: 10.3389/fmed.2021.687522. PMID: 34211100.
Q.
Sharp Sternum Pain? Why Your Chest Is Aching and the Medical Steps to Take
A.
Sharp sternum pain has many causes, ranging from costochondritis or muscle strain to acid reflux, trauma, and serious heart or lung conditions. There are several factors to consider, including red flags that require emergency care such as pressure-like pain, pain spreading to the arm or jaw, shortness of breath, fainting, or chest pain after injury; see below for the complete evaluation steps, treatment options, and prevention tips that can influence your next healthcare decisions.
References:
* Roxas M. Costochondritis and Tietze Syndrome: A Narrative Review. J Am Osteopath Assoc. 2023 Feb 1;123(2):e2-e3. doi: 10.1515/jaoa.2023.0044. PMID: 36728080.
* Malhotra R, D'Cruz C. Chest Wall Pain: A Review of Differential Diagnoses and Assessment. Prim Care. 2021 Dec;48(4):681-692. doi: 10.1016/j.pop.2021.07.009. PMID: 34794695.
* Gulati M, Levy PD, Mukherjee D, Amsterdam E, Lombardi M, Barron HV. The Management of Acute Chest Pain: A Clinical Review. JAMA Intern Med. 2020 Jan 1;180(1):153-162. doi: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2019.5397. PMID: 31738491.
* Pandit V, Anantha Narayanan S, Velez M, Patel R. Esophageal Causes of Chest Pain. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2022 Mar;20(3):e181-e187. doi: 10.1016/j.cgh.2021.03.041. Epub 2021 Apr 2. PMID: 33819877.
* Haney ML, Al-Khatib SM, Rosner J. Chest Pain: A Diagnostic Approach for the Primary Care Physician. Prim Care. 2021 Dec;48(4):693-706. doi: 10.1016/j.pop.2021.07.001. Epub 2021 Aug 17. PMID: 34794696.
Q.
Sharp Chest Pain? Why Your Ribs Feel Like They’re Cracking & Medically-Approved Next Steps
A.
Sharp, cracking rib pain is most often from costochondritis, a musculoskeletal inflammation that is tender to touch and worse with movement or deep breaths; most cases are not dangerous and improve with rest, NSAIDs, heat or ice, posture changes, and gentle stretching. There are several factors to consider, including red flags like crushing pressure, pain spreading to the arm, jaw or neck, shortness of breath, sweating, fainting, or sudden severe pain that require emergency care. See below for how to tell costochondritis from heart pain, other possible causes, and medically approved next steps to guide what you should do next.
References:
* Hoang T, Brasington R. Costochondritis: an update on diagnosis and management. Curr Opin Rheumatol. 2023 Mar 1;35(2):100-106. doi: 10.1097/BOR.0000000000000941. PMID: 36723223.
* Wise R, Kim E. Tietze Syndrome: An Underdiagnosed Cause of Chest Pain. J Clin Rheumatol. 2021 Jul 1;27(5):e206-e209. doi: 10.1097/RHU.0000000000001426. PMID: 33507119.
* Kay M, Mindel J. Nonspecific Chest Wall Pain: A Narrative Review. J Clin Rheumatol. 2020 Sep;26(6):215-220. doi: 10.1097/RHU.0000000000001150. PMID: 31789725.
* Patil V, Singh H, Agrawal V, Kumar D, Gupta A, Sharma B, Singh D, Agrawal V. Management of Rib Fractures and Flail Chest: An Overview. Indian J Surg. 2020 Apr;82(2):166-173. doi: 10.1007/s12262-019-02058-1. Epub 2019 Dec 16. PMID: 32255959; PMCID: PMC7111267.
* Gulati M, Levy PD, Mukherjee D, Wong D, Butler J, Collins S, Dokholyan RS, Gulati R, Horton E, Jones PS, Kontos MC, Laffin LJ, Lange-Maia B, Mehta PK, Metkus T, Nanna M, Newby DE, Sharma G, Smith EE, Vranckx P, Winchester DE, Ziaeian B. Evaluation and Management of Chest Pain in the Emergency Department: A Review. JAMA. 2023 Aug 1;330(5):454-463. doi: 10.1001/jama.2023.11188. PMID: 37523171.
Q.
Costochondritis in Women 30-45: Symptoms, Relief & Next Steps
A.
Costochondritis in women 30 to 45 is a common, usually benign inflammation where the ribs meet the breastbone that causes sharp or aching chest pain, tenderness to touch, and pain that worsens with deep breathing, movement, coughing, or lifting, yet it can resemble heart pain. Relief often comes with rest and activity changes, short courses of anti-inflammatory medicines, heat or ice, gentle stretching, posture fixes, stress management, and sometimes physical therapy, but seek urgent care now if you have chest pressure, pain spreading to the jaw, neck, or arm, shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, dizziness, or fainting. There are several factors to consider. See below to understand more.
References:
* Stochkendahl, M. J., et al. (2018). Clinical guidelines for the diagnosis and management of musculoskeletal chest wall pain: A systematic review. *European Journal of Pain*, 22(1), 1-17.
* Shmagin, Y., et al. (2020). Chest Wall Pain: Diagnosis and Management. *Current Pain and Headache Reports*, 24(7), 33.
* Knoedler, P., & Knoedler, D. (2021). Chest Pain—When it is not the Heart: A Review of Noncardiac Chest Pain. *Journal of Clinical Medicine*, 10(23), 5670.
* An, C., et al. (2023). Manual therapy and rehabilitation for chronic anterior chest wall pain: A systematic review. *Musculoskeletal Science and Practice*, 64, 102715.
* Proulx, A. M., & Zryd, T. W. (2009). Costochondritis: Diagnosis and treatment. *American Family Physician*, 80(6), 617-620.
Q.
"Does My Rib Pain Mean Something Serious?" When to Worry (and When It’s Just Inflammation)
A.
Rib pain is often not dangerous, most commonly due to costochondritis, muscle strain, posture issues, or anxiety-related tension, and these usually respond to rest, heat or ice, gentle stretching, and appropriate over-the-counter anti-inflammatories. There are several factors that change what to do next, so see the complete guidance below. Get urgent care for warning signs like shortness of breath, chest pressure spreading to the arm or jaw, fainting, fever, coughing up blood, or pain after injury, and speak with a clinician if symptoms persist, worsen, or you are unsure of the cause.
References:
* Stochkendahl, M. J., Christensen, H. W., Vach, W., & Cleland, J. (2018). Differential diagnosis of chest wall pain. *The Clinical Journal of Pain*, *34*(10), 960-966.
* Schnabel, B. M. (2020). Costochondritis and Tietze Syndrome: A Review. *Current Rheumatology Reports*, *22*(8), 1-8.
* Shah, A., Verma, K. C., Goel, V., & Singh, R. (2020). Chest wall tumours: a differential diagnosis. *Journal of Clinical Orthopaedics and Trauma*, *11*(3), 502-506.
* Flagel, L., Leclère, F. M., Bory, B., & Charles, N. (2020). Rib fractures: Review of diagnosis and management. *Orthopaedics & Traumatology: Surgery & Research*, *106*(7), S229-S235.
* Gregory, P. C., & Biswas, A. (2020). Assessment of chronic chest wall pain: A review. *Pain Practice*, *20*(4), 438-449.
Q.
That Sharp Pain Under Your Left Bra Wire: Why Your Ribs Are Screaming at You
A.
Most sharp pain under the left bra wire is musculoskeletal, commonly costochondritis, bra fit pressure, muscle strain, or chest wall nerve irritation, and it often eases with rest, heat or ice, posture and bra adjustments, gentle stretching, and appropriate over the counter anti inflammatory medication. Still, because left sided chest pain can occasionally signal something serious, seek urgent care for symptoms like shortness of breath, dizziness or fainting, sweating or nausea, pain spreading to the arm, jaw, or back, fever, injury, or persistent or worsening pain; see the full details below to understand important nuances that could affect your next steps.
References:
* Verdonk, R., Van den Broecke, R. Costochondritis. Rev Med Brux. 2018 Sep;39(4):254-257. PMID: 30280459.
* Stochkendahl, M. J., Christensen, H. W., Vach, W., & Axelsen, M. H. Differential diagnosis of chest pain: a systematic review of the literature on diagnostic accuracy. Chiropractic & Manual Therapies, 2018;26(1), 16. PMID: 29725516.
* Al-Refai, A., Alkhrisheh, M. A., & Bakhit, A. Intercostal Neuralgia: A Review of Etiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment. Pain and Therapy, 2020;9(5), 971-980. PMID: 32959648.
* Fotiadis, A., Shah, V., & Kanakaris, N. K. Slipping rib syndrome: a review of current literature. European Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery & Traumatology, 2020;30(5), 793-799. PMID: 32080646.
* Zecevic, A., Kucuk, A., Kadic, A., & Kadic, N. Tietze syndrome: a systematic review. Journal of musculoskeletal disorders and treatment, 2020;6(1). PMID: 32984578.
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Link to full study:
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.08.29.24312810v1References
Mott T, Jones G, Roman K. Costochondritis: Rapid Evidence Review. Am Fam Physician. 2021 Jul 1;104(1):73-78. PMID: 34264599.
https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2021/0700/p73.htmlProulx AM, Zryd TW. Costochondritis: diagnosis and treatment. Am Fam Physician. 2009 Sep 15;80(6):617-20. PMID: 19817327.
https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2009/0915/p617.htmlSchumann JA, Sood T, Parente JJ. Costochondritis. 2021 Jul 10. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan–. PMID: 30422526.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532931/Yoshiyama N, Tsuneyoshi S, Nishi JI, Ishii H. Infective costochondritis and multiple abscesses in a healthy adult. BMJ Case Rep. 2021 Jan 15;14(1):e240948. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2020-240948. PMID: 33452067; PMCID: PMC7813321.
https://casereports.bmj.com/content/14/1/e240948