All about costochondritis  causes of costochondritis symptoms of costochondritis diagnosis of costochondritis treatment for costochondritis Tietze's syndrome |
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How is costochondritis diagnosed?
Diagnosis of costochondritis is based on pain upon palpation (gentle pressing) of the affected joints. The person's medical history and results of examination are usually sufficient, but if the pattern of pain suggests that it could be heart pain it needs to be thoroughly investigated. Swelling is not associated with costochondritis. Diagnosis is also dependent on the exclusion of other causes, including heart attack or bacterial or fungal infections found in IV drug users or postoperative thoracic surgery patients. |
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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. |
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