What is costalchondritis

[destinyplease]

I have had chest pain for the last couple of months.  My heart rate is high (120-140).  But my heart is fine.  A specialist told me I have costal chondritiis today.  I already have fibromyalgia and arthritis.  He recommends injections.  I feel trapped in pain!


This discussion is related to Chest pain.

[crwstar]

Wow, I was told yesterday that I have this as well. Have gone to the ER 3 times with some of the most intense chest pain ever. 3rd time they were able to tell me what it was. I finally went to a teaching hospital and they were great. Apparently it can mimic heart attack but is suppose to resolve itself over time. I was told to take ibuprofen and use heat or ice on it and it should go away in about two weeks or so. I went to the ER though cause I have harder time breathing and this lump on my chest which they said was the cartiledge inflammed and so it chest wall pain. It was wierd to read that this inflammation can cause a harder time breathing but upon consideration makes sense.

I read last night that it is associated with fibromyaligia........and injections is one of the suggested protocols. Have you tried over the counter stuff yet like ibuprofen?

All the best

Crwstar

[Pengipen]

I too suffer with costochondritis and i have for the past two years.
It is inflammation of the cartilidge between the ribs and the sternum. Because of the amount of nerves and muscles in that area it is very painful and the pain can also radiate to your arm, neck and even your jaw mimicking cardiac pain, so it is very important to rule out heart problems.
It causes problems with breathing because to breath you expand the rib cage but your body will automatically stop your ribcage expanding so far as it is painful to do so.
As for pain relief, everybody is different and i haven't found a painkiller to take the pain away. Although an anti inflammatory is worth trying as are stronger strength painkillers.
I find heat applied to the chest is helpful. I use one of the microwaveable wheat bags.
Sometimes freeze gel can temporarily take away some pain (try biofreeze)
The main thing is to not overdo it and give your body time to heal

[crwstar]

Hi, I'm wondering how you found out you had this. Did you have a lump on one of your ribs? And have you heard of people having constochondritis being diagnosed due to a lump on their ribs that was painful?

[Dr_Smita_S]

Hi

Costochondritis/ Tietze's Syndrome is a condition that causes chest pain due to inflammation of the cartilage and bones near the sternum in the chest wall. It is however only diagnosed after excluding other more serious problems related to the heart.

This condition is thought to be most commonly due to repetitive micro trauma or overuse of the cartilage in the chest wall (as seen in athletes) ,  traumatic injury , viral infections  (upper respiratory). It commonly affects young adults between 20 and 40 years old.
The symptoms include pain over the front of the upper chest (the area of the sternum). Costochondritis pain is usually worsened by activity or exercise, when taking a deep breath and on touching the area.

The treatment is rest, local application of heat and non steroidal anti-inflammatory medication. The symptoms usually improve within a few weeks to a few months. However, if the problem persists for some time, you should consult your doctor to rule out some other serious medical conditions.

Sometimes the doctor may consider cortisone injections for treatment of costochondritis.
http://orthopedics.about.com/cs/sprainsstrains/a/costochondritis_2.htm
Take care

[Pengipen]

Hi

I found out after i had dr's press on my ribs near my sternum and it was tender. I had previously had ecg's, blood tests, chest x ray and an echocardigram to rule out cardiac issues.
I believe the swelling is called tietze's syndrome which is a type of costochondritis but it is where the cartlidge actually gets swollen. I haven't had any swelling myself, but if you have you may need some anti inflammatories to help with it. I have come across things online where it talks of the swelling
There is a really good costochondritis support group on yahoo groups if you are interested.

[crwstar]

Thanks for the information - I will check out the support group!

I also had all the tests you spoke of. I was actually diagnosed a long time ago with Mitral Valve prolapse and was told I don't have that after the echocardigram. I've had tender ribs for a loooooonnnnggg time so must have had this for a while.

I did read that the swelling is called tietze's syndrome - I am taking ibuprofen so hopefully I will see some of the swelling go down.

Again, thanks for the info on the support group!!

All the best

[Pengipen]

Glad you had all the tests, i guess you can relax about it being anything serious. Although thats not so easy to do cos sometimes when it gets real bad for me i end up in the hospital! Even after 2 years it still scares me!
Just let me know if you have anymore questions on it and i'll try help
The support group on yahoo is excellent for advice, hope you find it helps if you check it out

[CAG2008]

I too have costal chondritis.  Went to my doctor with gripping pain in my arm and feeling like an elephant was sitting on my chest.  He called 911 and they rushed me off to the hospital.  4 months later same thing so I took myself to the hospital.  ER doc looked outside the box since nitro didn't take the pain away and starting pressing on my breastbone.  When I screached he smiled and said it isn't your heart.  Still had to admit for though to make sure.  Then called in a physical med doc who diagnosed the same.  I find now that if I do a lot of lifting, stretching, weeding the garden etc. it gets worse.  It also gets worse in cold weather.  Out comes the heating pad and advil and that seems to soothe it.

[crwstar]

Thanks for your help - I'll send you a note or a msg if I have more questions.

I agree it does still scare the bajeezies out of me when it happens. If this is what I've had all along since 1993 then, wow. Every single time I thought I was close to a heart attack and this last one it felt like my heart did a back flip in my chest.....who knows. I  have a family history of heart problems so probably should remain cautious and on the other hand I am very very grateful to have a answer that I can work with.

Thanks again for your help ;-)