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The
physical examination performed by a doctor shows tenderness
over the anterior chest wall area along the breastbone where
the rib joins the sternum. There may be some degree of redness
over the skin and the pain is more often than not on the
left side of the chest area.
The
biggest problem in diagnosing costochondritis is differentiating
it from blockage in the coronary arteries that lead to the
heart. Usually, heart related pain involves a squeezing,
crushing feeling. It radiates from the middle of the chest
to the shoulder or arm (usually left arm), and worsens with
stress, exertion, or even following a large meal. Costochondritis,
on the other hand, is more associated with movement of the
chest wall and tenderness along the junction of the ribs
with the breastbone.
Once
a patient knows the diagnosis, his/her facial expression
has a way of changing immediately. The ailment usually disappears
as mysteriously as it came on, but often a low dose of Naprosyn
or another over-the-counter, anti-inflammatory will stop
the pain, along with warm, moist heat. Rare cases, such
as an infection into the cartilage, require more aggressive
measures, but this is unusual.
I
emphasize one point, however, about costochondritis. If
you have any doubt whatsoever about your chest pain, and
even if you feel it is simply a cartilage inflammation,
get a confirmation from a doctor.
Costochondritis
occasionally stumps even doctors, but, most of the time,
it is easy to diagnose based on the above symptoms. The
truth truly does set you free.
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