Costochondritis

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 6, 2025.

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What is costochondritis?

Costochondritis is a condition that causes pain in the cartilage that connect your ribs to your sternum (breastbone). Cartilage is the tough, bendable tissue that protects your bones.

What increases my risk for costochondritis?

The cause of costochondritis may not be known. Any of the following increases your risk:

• A chest injury
• Activities that strain your chest wall muscles, such as hard coughing, weightlifting, or volleyball
• A lung or chest infection
• A disease that causes swelling around your joints, such as rheumatoid arthritis

What are the signs and symptoms of costochondritis?

• Sharp, dull, or aching pain that may come and go
• Worsening pain over time or when you move, breathe deeply, or push or lift an object
• Pain that spreads to your back, abdomen, or down your arm
• Pain when you touch your chest
• Trouble sleeping or doing your usual activities because of pain

How is costochondritis diagnosed and treated?

Your healthcare provider will examine you and ask you about your signs and symptoms. Your provider will touch your chest and may move your arms to see if this causes pain. Costochondritis pain may go away without treatment, usually within a year. Your treatment depends on the cause of your costochondritis. You may need any of the following:

• Acetaminophen decreases pain and fever. It is available without a doctor's order. Ask how much to take and how often to take it. Follow directions. Read the labels of all other medicines you are using to see if they also contain acetaminophen, or ask your doctor or pharmacist. Acetaminophen can cause liver damage if not taken correctly.
• NSAIDs , such as ibuprofen, help decrease swelling, pain, and fever. This medicine is available with or without a doctor's order. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If you take blood thinner medicine, always ask if NSAIDs are safe for you. Always read the medicine label and follow directions. Do not give these medicines to children younger than 6 months without direction from a healthcare provider.

Treatment options

The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.

• ibuprofen
• naproxen
• Naprosyn
• Aleve
• Flanax Pain Reliever

View more treatment options

What can I do to help decrease the pain caused by costochondritis?

• Avoid painful movements and activities. Do not carry objects, such as a purse or backpack, if this causes pain. Avoid activities such as weightlifting until your pain decreases or goes away. Ask your provider which activities are best for you to do while you recover.
• Apply heat to decrease pain. Use a heat pack or a heating pad on a low setting. Apply heat on the area for 20 to 30 minutes every 2 hours for as many days as directed.
• Apply ice to decrease pain and swelling. Use an ice pack, or put crushed ice in a plastic bag. Cover the bag with a towel before you apply it to the painful area. Apply ice for 15 to 20 minutes every hour or as directed.
• Do gentle stretching exercises as directed. Gentle stretching may help your symptoms. Stand in a doorway and put your hands on the door frame at the level of your ears or shoulders. Take 1 step forward and gently stretch your chest. Try this with your hands higher up on the doorway.

When should I call my doctor?

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

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment. 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.

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