Costochondritis

Have U had this?
Is this something U have suffered with?
I have and it is painful.
Costochondritis is an inflammation of the cartilage that connects a rib to the breastbone (sternum) 

The sternum is the hard bone that goes down the center of your chest, from the bottom of your neck to the top of your abdomen. Your ribs are connected to the sternum by rubbery cartilage at points called costosternal joints. These joints are where someone with Costochondritis feels pain. Costochondritis can affect one or more of these joints.

Although the pain is likely to feel sharp, it can also feel gnawing and dull. U are more likely to feel the pain when performing actions such as taking a deep breath or coughing, but U can also reproduce the pain by pushing in on the area that hurts when U perform other aggravating actions.

The main signs of Costochondritis are pain and tenderness on one side of the chest. The pain is usually sharp. It's often on the left side of the sternum (although it is possible to have pain on both sides).

Costochondritis is believed to be caused by hard exercise, lifting heavy objects, viral infection, trauma or stress to the breastbone and coughing.

There is no cure for Costochondritis, but medication can help manage symptoms. Treatment sometimes involves muscle relaxants to relieve pain and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to decrease inflammation. Ibuprofen and Naproxen are anti-inflammatory options. If U are having trouble sleeping, your doctor may prescribe Tricyclic antidepressants.

Gentle exercise is beneficial for Costochondritis, such as swimming and walking. Physical activity makes U feel good and helps U stay healthy. Stop and rest any time U feel pain. Avoid repeating any exercise that increases pain. Exercise and rest are two ways U can improve Costochondritis on your own. Also, use a heating pad on the part of your rib cage that hurts a few times each day to relieve pain.
Use a low heat setting.

 

Costochondritis usually goes away on its own within a few days or weeks, but in some cases it can go on longer.

IF the pain is too intense please SEE a DR to make sure everything is OK!

<3 Cindy