All about costochondritis  causes of costochondritis symptoms of costochondritis diagnosis of costochondritis treatment for costochondritis Tietze's syndrome |
|
What causes costochondritis?
The causes of costochondritis are not well-understood and may be difficult to establish. The most likely causes include injury, repetitive minor trauma, and unusual excessive physical activity. A direct blow is not usually a preceding event. About two thirds of patients are females, and juveniles are sometimes affected. Occasionally, costochondritis as a result of bacterial infections can occur in people who use IV drugs or who have had surgery to their upper chest. After surgery the cartilage can become more prone to infection, because of reduced blood flow in the region that has been operated on. The risk of developing costochondritis increases with any physical activity that causes trauma or strain to the ribcage. It is a benign condition usually of short duration that resolves completely. Sometimes though it can recur or become persistent. |
|
|
|
| |
More information on costochondritis
What is costochondritis? - Costochondritis is inflammation of the joint between a rib and the breastbone or between the bony part of the rib and the rib cartilage.
What causes costochondritis? - The most likely causes of costochondritis include injury, repetitive minor trauma, and unusual excessive physical activity.
What're the symptoms of costochondritis? - The main symptom of costochondritis is pain or tenderness in the front of the chest near the breastbone.
How is costochondritis diagnosed? - Diagnosis of costochondritis is based on pain upon palpation (gentle pressing) of the affected joints.
What's the treatment for costochondritis? - The goals of treatment for costochondritis are to reduce inflammation and to control pain. It usually responds well to pain-killing, anti-inflammatory medications.
What is Tietze's syndrome? - Tietze's syndrome is an idiopathic costochondritis. The patient complains of pain that is often localized to the costal cartilage. |
|
|
|
