Costochondritis

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Costochondritis is a condition that causes pain in the cartilage and joints connecting your ribs to your sternum (breastbone). Cartilage is the tough, bendable tissue that protects bones. Joints are the places in your body where two or more bones meet, such as your knees or elbows. Ribs are the bones that go from your sternum to your spine, protecting your lungs and heart. The pain of costochondritis may be in one or more joints, and often affects the second through fifth ribs. You may not know what caused your costochondritis. Known causes of costochondritis include a lung infection, a chest injury, or activities such as rowing.
  
  
• Costochondritis causes pain in the area of your sternum. The pain may be in a small or large area. It may come and go, and get worse or better over time. The pain may be sharp or dull and aching, and can spread to your back, stomach, or down your arm. The pain may worsen when you move or take deep breaths. You may need blood tests and an electrocardiogram (ECG) to make sure your chest pain is not caused by other problems. Costochondritis pain may go away without treatment, usually within a year. Treatment options include medicines, physical therapy, and acupuncture. Treatment may decrease your pain, and help you return to doing your usual activities sooner.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Medicines:

• Keep a current list of your medicines: Include the amounts, and when, how, and why you take them. Take the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency. Throw away old medicine lists. Use vitamins, herbs, or food supplements only as directed.
  
  
• Take your medicine as directed: Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not working as expected. Tell him about any medicine allergies, and if you want to quit taking or change your medicine.
  
  
• Acetaminophen: This medicine is used to decrease pain and lower a high body temperature (fever). Taking too much acetaminophen can hurt your liver. Read labels so that you know the active ingredients in each medicine that you take. Talk to your caregiver before taking more than one medicine that contains acetaminophen. Ask your caregiver before taking over-the-counter medicine if you are also taking pain medicine prescribed (ordered) for you.
  
  
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine (also called NSAIDs) may help decrease the pain of costochondritis. This medicine can be bought with or without a doctor's order. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. Always read the medicine label, and follow the directions on it before using this medicine.

Ask for information about where and when to go for follow-up visits:

For continuing care, treatments, or home services, ask for more information.

Rest:

You may need to get more rest. Learn what movements and activities cause pain, and avoid doing them. Avoid carrying objects, such as a purse or backpack, if this is painful. Avoid activities such as rowing and weight lifting until your pain decreases or goes away. Ask your caregiver which activities are best for you to do while you recover.

Use heat and ice:

A heating pad or an ice pack placed on painful areas may decrease your pain. Wrap an ice pack in a towel before using it. Never sleep with a heating pad or ice pack left in place, as this can damage your skin. Ask your caregiver how often you should use heat or ice on your injury.

Go to physical therapy:

You may need to see a physical therapist. This caregiver will teach you exercises to help strengthen your chest muscles and decrease your pain. Physical therapy may help you return to your usual activities faster. Your therapy may also include manipulation, which is when caregivers move your joints. Caregivers may massage painful areas.

Exercises:

Your caregiver may give you exercises to do at home to decrease your pain. It is best to start slowly, and do more as you get stronger. Ask your caregiver for more information about exercises that you can do at home.

Acupuncture:

Acupuncture is a treatment based on a belief that fluids flow through channels in our bodies. Caregivers insert very thin needles just under your skin. This is believed to open the channels, allowing fluids to flow better. This treatment may decrease pain and improve healing. Always see a caregiver for acupuncture. Do not try to give this treatment to yourself.

Supportive clothing:

If you are female, wearing a bra that provides support may make you feel more comfortable and decrease your pain.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have a fever.
  
  
• The painful areas of your chest look swollen, red, and feel warm to touch.
  
  
• You cannot sleep because of the pain.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your condition.

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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.

Learn more about Costochondritis (Aftercare Instructions)