Hi there, Thank you for posting your question. I will do my best to help you I have tried to understand your query to my best. With respect to your query, I would like to opine the below There could be many causes for Rib pain :  Injury  Physical strain- Heavy lifting and strenuous exercise  Severe coughing  Rib Joint Infection- Infections may be due to viruses, bacteria or fungi. (leading to like example - include tuberculosis, syphilis and aspergillosis) which will present as pain in the base of the ribs with swelling  Very similar to the pain associated with heart disease, lung disease, gastrointestinal problems and osteoarthritis All of the above may present as pain or tenderness along your breast bone ,base of ribs radiating downwards Diagnositcs like Chest X-ray PA view ,Chest Xray lateral view and electrocardiogram may help to look into the root cause of the Problem. In your case , Firtsly Need to recall if any history of any Injury recentlyor Physical strain or exercises ..If yes, then NSIADs will be useful in relief of the pain .Common Over the counter NSAIDs like Voveran ,Paracetamol,Aleve,Diclofenac tab ,local application Voveran gel can also be apllied ***Note : NSAIDs (pain killers ) can cause side effects such as diarrhoea, headaches, or dizziness.Taking high doses for a long time can slightly increase your risk of having a heart attack or a stroke,but taking them occasionally for pain shouldn t cause this problem. People who have heart problems shouldn t take diclofenac. If you re taking paracetamol, you need to be careful not to take too much. An overdose can damage your liver*** Along with this, Physical therapy like Stretching exercises,Hot compresses –keep heat low may be helpful If history of cough with fever is present along with rib pain or if rib pain is constant & have no history of any injury or strenuous acitivity prior , then advice is to consult a Physician for further investigation and treatment I hope that I have answered your questions fully and been of some help. If you have anymore questions please contact me again anytime Regards, Dr.Sushma