Costochondritis is a chest wall condition caused by inflammation of the joints between the bony ribs and the cartilages. As these joints help in chest wall expansion during breathing an inflammation can cause aching chest pain during exercise and can be sometimes mistaken as a heart attack.
The symptoms of costochondritis include:
The cause of costochondritis can be related to wear and tear of the chest wall joints. It can also worsen after injury or physical strain to the chest area.
To diagnose costochondritis, your doctor may conduct a physical examination, such as examining the affected area for swelling or tenderness.
Once the correct diagnosis is made, treatment involve adequate pain relief, rest as well as lifestyle modifications. This will allow time for the body can recover.
Early diagnosis and treatment for Chest Wall Diseases and Slipping Rib Syndrome (Lianhe Zaobao)
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Pediatrics in Review. (2024). Costochondritis. Pediatrics in Review, 45(9), 543. https://publications.aap.org/pediatricsinreview/article-abstract/45/9/543/199026/Costochondritis?redirectedFrom=fulltext
American Academy of Family Physicians. (2021). Costochondritis: Diagnosis and management. American Family Physician. https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2021/0700/p73.html
Physio-Pedia. (n.d.). Costochondritis. Physio-Pedia. https://www.physio-pedia.com/Costochondritis
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