What Are the Possible Causes for My Ribs to Hurt?

Rib pain can have several different causes. Common causes include:

• Muscle strain from overuse or sudden movements
• Bruising or fractures from physical impact or trauma
• Inflammation of the cartilage between ribs (costochondritis)

Pain in your ribs may also come from nearby organs. For instance, chest pain could signal heart problems, while pain in your right-sided ribs might suggest gallbladder issues. Other less common causes of rib pain include osteoporosis (weakening of bones), cancerous tumors that have spread to the ribs, and certain inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. These conditions are less common but should be considered if pain persists or is accompanied by other symptoms. Unexplained rib pain that persists or worsens should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.