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Suggest Treatment For Pain Due To Chronic Costochondritis

Posted on Mon, 28 Apr 2014

Question: I have been suffering from chronic costochondritis for 6 months now, following a respiratory virus. Other reasons for chest pain have been ruled out. It is not responding to anti-inflammatories or codeine or tramadol, and is painful 24/7 and I cannot do any normal activities. The whole area around the sternum feels sore and raw, and all the ribcage muscles have tightened up. Have tired using ice packs and heat but they only help slightly. The first 2 months I had a lot of breathing difficulties as a result. In the last few days it has become much worse and all-consuming and so painful I cannot concentrate on anything to distract myself from the pain. I have a rheumatology referral but that's not for another month. I'm wondering whether to ask my GP (I'm in the UK) for steroid injections/anaeasthetic patches/muscle relaxants. Thanks for your help

Answered by Dr. Mukesh Chugh (1 hour later)

Brief Answer: It is self limiting and may last upto a year Detailed Answer: Hi, Thanks for writing your query. After going through your suffering, the pain of costochondritis may be relieved by following measure along with the drugs which you are using- 1. Avoiding unnecessary exercise or activities that make the symptoms worse; avoid contact sports until there is improvement in symptoms, and then return to normal activities only as tolerated. 2. Rib belt along with hot water fomentation helps. 3. You may be given a local anesthetic and steroid injection in the area that is tender if normal activities become very painful and the pain does not respond to drugs. In rare cases surgical removal of the sore cartilage may be required if there is no response to medical therapy for costochondritis. Your doctor will refer you to a surgeon for consultation should this option be considered necessary. The condition affects females more than males (70% versus 30%) As far as outlook of costochondritis is concerned it is usually self limiting and may go away of its own .It may take a year or so. Most people will recover fully. Hope this information suffices and I shall be glad to answer any further query. Take care and wish you good health Regards Dr.chugh http://bit.ly/drmchugh

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Mukesh Chugh (16 minutes later)

Thank you. Can you explain what is a rib belt and hot water fomentation?

Answered by Dr. Mukesh Chugh (43 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Rib belt encircle the chest lkie a ring Detailed Answer: Hi It’s good to see you. I usually give rib belt (elastic cotton cloth with Velcro at ends) to reduce chest pain arising out of costochondritis, muscle and rib fractures. This belt which has width of 4-5 inches encircles the chest like a ring, giving compression and minimising chest movement. You may use this belt up to 18-20 hours a day. To take hot water fomentation – soak towel/cotton cloth in warm water and spread at the site of pain after squeezing the cloth for excess water. A word of caution it should not be excessive warm, just check by hand. Take care Regards Dr.chugh

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D