Costochondritis

Costochondritis

Costochondritis: Everything You Need to Know at Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City in Abu Dhabi

What Is Costochondritis?

Costochondritis, also known as costosternal chondritis, is a condition that affects the cartilage connecting the ribs to the breastbone (sternum). This inflammation can cause sharp chest pain, especially with deep breathing, coughing, or pressing on the chest area.

Symptoms

• Sharp chest pain: The pain usually affects one side of the chest and may worsen with deep breathing, coughing, laughing, sneezing, or pressing on the chest area
• Swelling and redness in the chest area: You may notice swelling and redness in the affected area of the chest
• Breathing difficulty: Breathing may be difficult and painful, especially when taking a deep breath
• Feeling fatigued: You may feel tired and fatigued because of the pain.

Potential Causes

• Over‑exercising: Excessive physical activity, particularly weightlifting or sports that involve extensive chest movement
• Injury: Trauma to the chest, such as a fall or a motor vehicle accident
• Viral infections: In some cases, viral infections such as the common cold or influenza
• Inflammatory diseases: Inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or psoriasis

Treatment

In most cases, costochondritis improves on its own over the course of several weeks. However, certain treatments can help relieve symptoms, such as:

• Rest: Avoid activities that increase pain
• Ice: Apply a cold compress to the affected chest area for 20 minutes at a time, with 20‑minute breaks between applications
• Medicines: Pain relievers such as ibuprofen or naproxen can help reduce pain and inflammation
• Physiotherapy: Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises can help improve flexibility and strength in the chest area

When Should You See a Doctor?

You should see a doctor if:

• The pain is severe or does not improve with home treatment
• You have difficulty breathing
• You have a fever or chills
• You notice swelling or redness in the chest area

Why Choose SSMC?

• At Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC), our experienced rheumatology specialists have everything needed to diagnose and treat costochondritis. We provide a comprehensive treatment approach focused on relieving pain and improving joint function.

SSMC Offers:

• Specialised medical consultations: A rheumatology specialist will assess your condition and determine the best treatment pathway for you
• Accurate diagnostic tests: The latest technologies to diagnose costochondritis, including X‑ray imaging and ultrasound
• Effective treatments: A wide range of treatments to relieve pain and inflammation and improve joint function, including medicines and physiotherapy
• Follow‑up care: Regular follow-ups to ensure you are improving and that your symptoms are resolving

Contact us

If you are experiencing chest pain, it is important to seek medical care as soon as possible. Our team of rheumatology specialists at SSMC can help you.

To find out more, call SSMC on 800 7762 or schedule an appointment here.