Costochondritis is an inflammation of the cartilage that
connects the inner end of each rib with the breastbone (sternum). It can occur in any age
group and is most common in young adults. Exactly how common it is in the UK is not known
but in the US costochondritis has been shown to account for 10 per cent of chest pain
episodes in the community and 30 per cent of people with chest pain presenting as an
emergency to hospital.
Click on the image to see the full sized picture of Costochondritis.
Costochondritis
Costochondritis is a benign inflammation of the costal cartilage, which is a
length of cartilage which connects each rib, except the eleventh and twelfth, to
the sternum. It causes pain in the chest that can be reproduced by pressing on
the affected area between the ribs. This pain can be quite exquisite, especially
after rigorous exercise. While it can be extremely painful, it is considered to
be a benign condition that generally resolves in 6–8 weeks. Treatment options
are quite limited and usually only involve rest and analgesics but in a very
small number of cases cortisone injections and even surgery are sometimes
necessary.
Here is a video that helps explain costohondritis.
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