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Published on: 7/15/2026
Pain under the right ribs is commonly caused by issues with the gallbladder (such as gallstones or inflammation), the liver (including hepatitis or fatty liver disease), or musculoskeletal problems affecting the ribs, muscles, or joints in that area. Less common causes may include kidney issues or referred pain from the digestive tract. Severe, persistent, or worsening pain should be evaluated by a healthcare provider promptly.
Because right rib pain can stem from many different conditions—some minor, some serious—understanding the likely cause is the first step toward getting the right care. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to clarify possible causes and confidently plan your next steps.
Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026
When you feel pain on the right side of your body under your ribs, doctors think about a few possibilities. One common cause is an issue with the gallbladder, like gallstones, which can block the flow of bile and cause sharp pain near the ribs. Another possibility is a liver problem, such as hepatitis, where the liver becomes inflamed and tender. Sometimes, the pain may come from the muscles, bones, or cartilage around the rib area—a condition called costochondritis—which makes the chest wall sore. Each of these problems can cause discomfort in the right upper area of your abdomen. If you have this pain, especially if it is very strong or has other symptoms like fever or nausea, you can check your symptoms to help identify possible causes before talking with a doctor who can do tests like an ultrasound or blood work to find out the exact cause. This way, you can get the right treatment to help you feel better.
(References)
Chevaliez S, Pawlotsky JM. Diagnosis and management of chronic viral hepatitis: antigens, antibodies and viral genomes. Best Pract Res Clin Gastroenterol. 2008;22(6):1031-48. doi: 10.1016/j.bpg.2008.11.004. PMID: 19187865.
Helwig U. 19/m mit rechtsseitigen Unterbauchschmerzen : Vorbereitung auf die Facharztprüfung: Fall 75 [19/m-Abdominal pain in the lower right-hand side : Preparation for the medical specialist examination: part 75]. Internist (Berl). 2021 Sep;62(Suppl 4):492-495. German. doi: 10.1007/s00108-021-01070-5. Epub 2021 Jul 1. PMID: 34196740.
Jones MW, Weir CB, Ghassemzadeh S. Gallstones (Cholelithiasis) [Updated 2024 Aug 17]. In: StatPearls [Internet].
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