Guide To Treating Costochondritis
Costochondritis, also known as costosternal chondrodynia, is a medical condition that causes pain in the chest wall. It results from an inflammation of the cartilage connecting the ribs to the sternum. Generally, costochondritis is short term and resolves within a few days or weeks. The type of chest pain it causes is triggered when the affected area at the front of the rib cage is pressed. The pain may get worse when the patient coughs or takes a deep breath, and it is often located on the left side of the sternum. Costochondritis can be caused by being hit or falling on the chest, and it may also develop due to arthritis, infections such as tuberculosis, heavy lifting, severe coughing, and other physical strain. Women and all individuals over forty years old face an increased risk of the condition. Since some of the symptoms can mimic a heart attack or other heart conditions, patients should be evaluated by a doctor to confirm a diagnosis of costochondritis. The treatment methods described below are often helpful for costochondritis.