Costochondritis

Definition

Costochondritis is an inflammation of a rib or the cartilage connecting a rib. This is a common cause of chest pain. Inflammation or injury involving the chest muscles is another common cause of chest pain.

See also: Chest pain

Exams and Tests

Your health care provider can diagnose costochondritis by pressing on the area where the ribs meet the chest bone (sternum). If this area is tender and sore, costochondritis is the most likely cause of your chest pain. However, your doctor should make this diagnosis only after speaking with you and examining you.

Treatment

Anti-inflammatory medicines (such as ibuprofen) are used to treat costochondritis.

Outlook (Prognosis)

With treatment, the condition usually goes away in a few days.