Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSigns and SymptomsCausesDiagnosisTreatmentRisk FactorsCoping

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

Signs and Symptoms

Causes

Diagnosis

Treatment

Risk Factors

Coping

Pregnancy can cause costochondritis as the uterus grows and presses on the rib cage, causing it to expand. You may notice that deep breaths, coughing, or specific movements make it worse.

Though costochondritis is not life-threatening, it can be scary. It often resolves on its own, but it’s best to notify your healthcare provider, especially if the discomfort is severe and does not go away.

This article reviews the signs and symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment, and risk factors of costochondritis and how to cope with it.

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Pregnant woman leaning back touching her rib cage in pain

Signs and Symptoms of Costochondritis

The inflammation of the cartilage in the rib cage causes symptoms of costochondritis. These include:

Costochondritis may beconfused with Tietze syndrome, which is less common. Swelling is a symptom unique toTietzesyndrome.

When to Call 911Though costochondritis is not an emergency, the symptoms can mimic those of other serious conditions, like a heart attack. Call 911 if any of these symptoms accompany the chest pain:Trouble breathingHighfeverPus, redness, swelling around ribs (possible infection)Pain gets worse after treatmentSharp pain with every breathNausea(queasy, uneasy, or upset stomach)DizzinessUnusually sweatyHeart palpitations(heart flutters, feels too strong, skips a beat, or is irregular)Severeheadache

When to Call 911

Though costochondritis is not an emergency, the symptoms can mimic those of other serious conditions, like a heart attack. Call 911 if any of these symptoms accompany the chest pain:Trouble breathingHighfeverPus, redness, swelling around ribs (possible infection)Pain gets worse after treatmentSharp pain with every breathNausea(queasy, uneasy, or upset stomach)DizzinessUnusually sweatyHeart palpitations(heart flutters, feels too strong, skips a beat, or is irregular)Severeheadache

Though costochondritis is not an emergency, the symptoms can mimic those of other serious conditions, like a heart attack. Call 911 if any of these symptoms accompany the chest pain:

Pregnancycan cause costochondritis, especially in the third trimester (weeks 28–40), if the uterus presses against the bottom of the ribs. Thecartilagealso loosens, allowing the rib cage to expand. These pregnancy changes can cause inflammation and pain.

Chest discomfort during pregnancy can also result fromindigestion(heartburn) andgrowing breasts. Though some mild rib or chest pain is expected during pregnancy, call your healthcare provider if you are experiencing severe pain.

Other non-pregnancy-related causes of costochondritis include:

Chest Tightness Causes and Relief

Your healthcare provider will ask you questions about your activity level or if you’ve moved or lifted something heavy and will ask questions about the type, location, and timing of thepain. They will alsophysically examine or palpateyour chest to check for tenderness, swelling, and discoloration.

If your history and physical indicate severe pain or possible underlying conditions, they may want to order further tests. This is also true if your pain does not improve with time or treatment. These diagnostic tests may include the following:

Treatment for costochondritis generally focuses on treating underlying conditions and providing pain relief while the injury heals.

Sometimes costochondritis resolves on its own with rest, avoiding strenuous activity, andbreathing exercises. It may also help to use a cushion,wedge, or body pillow when trying to find a comfortable position when lying down.

Suggested or prescribed treatments may also include:

Topical Patches, Gels, or CreamsTopical medicationsare becoming more popular because they don’t absorb into the system. They come in patches, creams, or gels that can be placed or rubbed over sore areas. Some decrease swelling, while others help numb the area with lidocaine.Common topical medications include:Aspercreme (trolamine salicylate)BENGAY (menthol, camphor, or methyl salicylate)Icy Hot(methyl salicylate-menthol)Voltaren Emulgel (diclofenac)Oruvail, Orudis, Nexcede, Actron (ketoprofen)Biofreeze (menthol)Salonpas(methyl salicylate, menthol and tocopheryl acetate (vitamin E), and camphor)Tiger balm (camphor, menthol, capsicum, and methyl salicylate)Boiron, Naturopathica (arnica)Zostrix (capsaicin)Blue-Emu(glucosamine and methylsulfonylmethane (MSM))

Topical Patches, Gels, or Creams

Topical medicationsare becoming more popular because they don’t absorb into the system. They come in patches, creams, or gels that can be placed or rubbed over sore areas. Some decrease swelling, while others help numb the area with lidocaine.Common topical medications include:Aspercreme (trolamine salicylate)BENGAY (menthol, camphor, or methyl salicylate)Icy Hot(methyl salicylate-menthol)Voltaren Emulgel (diclofenac)Oruvail, Orudis, Nexcede, Actron (ketoprofen)Biofreeze (menthol)Salonpas(methyl salicylate, menthol and tocopheryl acetate (vitamin E), and camphor)Tiger balm (camphor, menthol, capsicum, and methyl salicylate)Boiron, Naturopathica (arnica)Zostrix (capsaicin)Blue-Emu(glucosamine and methylsulfonylmethane (MSM))

Topical medicationsare becoming more popular because they don’t absorb into the system. They come in patches, creams, or gels that can be placed or rubbed over sore areas. Some decrease swelling, while others help numb the area with lidocaine.Common topical medications include:

Is Ice or Heat Better for Treating an Injury?

Some research suggests that you may be more prone to costochondritis if you are a Hispanic person or were assigned female at birth. Other risk factors include:

Normal pregnancy conditions or anything that causes strain on your chest can trigger costochondritis. This could be an activity as simple as reaching for a spice in a cabinet or tying your shoe. If you notice a movement that increases discomfort, ask for help completing that task until you heal.

Resting in a comfortable position will often relieve the pain. It may help to use a pregnancy orbody pillowto help you find a comfortable position while lying down.

Talk with your healthcare provider before taking any medications, including prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications.They can help you determine if a medication is safe during pregnancy.

Pregnancy and X-RaysIf you are pregnant, you may be concerned that getting an X-ray is not safe for the developing fetus. Any adverse effects from radiation exposure are minimal but it’s best to let your healthcare provider know if you are or may be pregnant. Yourradiology providermay choose another diagnostic tool or provide a lead apron or shield that covers your abdomen (belly) to protect against radiation.

Pregnancy and X-Rays

If you are pregnant, you may be concerned that getting an X-ray is not safe for the developing fetus. Any adverse effects from radiation exposure are minimal but it’s best to let your healthcare provider know if you are or may be pregnant. Yourradiology providermay choose another diagnostic tool or provide a lead apron or shield that covers your abdomen (belly) to protect against radiation.

Summary

The inflammation causes pain that can mimic a heart attack. You may notice that some activities or even deep breaths make it worse. Though costochondritis is not life-threatening, seeing a healthcare provider so they can rule out severe conditions is best.

Treatment focuses on underlying conditions or providing pain relief. Sometimes costochondritis resolves on its own, but healing could also require rest, avoiding specific movements, warm showers, or medications.

A Word From Verywell

Pregnancy alone can be stressful, but chest pain during pregnancy can be scary. Rest assured that it is common. Most chest discomfort during pregnancy is not serious but is worth mentioning to your healthcare provider. They can rule out a more serious condition, give you peace of mind, and help you decrease discomfort.

8 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MedlinePlus.Costochondritis.Barranco-Trabi J, Mank V, Roberts J, et al.Atypical costochondritis: complete resolution of symptoms after rib manipulation and soft tissue mobilization.Cureus. 2021;13(4):e14369. doi:10.7759/cureus.14369Zaruba RA, Wilson E.Impairment based examination and treatment of costochondritis: a case series.Int J Sports Phys Ther. 2017;12(3):458-467.National Organization for Rare Disorders.Tietze syndrome.Maloney J, Pew S, Wie C, et al.Comprehensive review of topical analgesics for chronic pain.Curr Pain Headache Rep. 2021;25(2):7. doi:10.1007/s11916-020-00923-2Derry S, Wiffen PJ, Kalso EA, et al.Topical analgesics for acute and chronic pain in adults - an overview of Cochrane Reviews.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2017;5(5):CD008609. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD008609.pub2National Center for Biotechnology Information.Trolamine salicylate.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.X-rays, pregnancy and you.Additional ReadingNational Library of Medicine (NIH).Costochondritis. MedlinePlus.

8 Sources

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MedlinePlus.Costochondritis.Barranco-Trabi J, Mank V, Roberts J, et al.Atypical costochondritis: complete resolution of symptoms after rib manipulation and soft tissue mobilization.Cureus. 2021;13(4):e14369. doi:10.7759/cureus.14369Zaruba RA, Wilson E.Impairment based examination and treatment of costochondritis: a case series.Int J Sports Phys Ther. 2017;12(3):458-467.National Organization for Rare Disorders.Tietze syndrome.Maloney J, Pew S, Wie C, et al.Comprehensive review of topical analgesics for chronic pain.Curr Pain Headache Rep. 2021;25(2):7. doi:10.1007/s11916-020-00923-2Derry S, Wiffen PJ, Kalso EA, et al.Topical analgesics for acute and chronic pain in adults - an overview of Cochrane Reviews.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2017;5(5):CD008609. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD008609.pub2National Center for Biotechnology Information.Trolamine salicylate.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.X-rays, pregnancy and you.Additional ReadingNational Library of Medicine (NIH).Costochondritis. MedlinePlus.

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

MedlinePlus.Costochondritis.Barranco-Trabi J, Mank V, Roberts J, et al.Atypical costochondritis: complete resolution of symptoms after rib manipulation and soft tissue mobilization.Cureus. 2021;13(4):e14369. doi:10.7759/cureus.14369Zaruba RA, Wilson E.Impairment based examination and treatment of costochondritis: a case series.Int J Sports Phys Ther. 2017;12(3):458-467.National Organization for Rare Disorders.Tietze syndrome.Maloney J, Pew S, Wie C, et al.Comprehensive review of topical analgesics for chronic pain.Curr Pain Headache Rep. 2021;25(2):7. doi:10.1007/s11916-020-00923-2Derry S, Wiffen PJ, Kalso EA, et al.Topical analgesics for acute and chronic pain in adults - an overview of Cochrane Reviews.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2017;5(5):CD008609. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD008609.pub2National Center for Biotechnology Information.Trolamine salicylate.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.X-rays, pregnancy and you.

MedlinePlus.Costochondritis.

Barranco-Trabi J, Mank V, Roberts J, et al.Atypical costochondritis: complete resolution of symptoms after rib manipulation and soft tissue mobilization.Cureus. 2021;13(4):e14369. doi:10.7759/cureus.14369

Zaruba RA, Wilson E.Impairment based examination and treatment of costochondritis: a case series.Int J Sports Phys Ther. 2017;12(3):458-467.

National Organization for Rare Disorders.Tietze syndrome.

Maloney J, Pew S, Wie C, et al.Comprehensive review of topical analgesics for chronic pain.Curr Pain Headache Rep. 2021;25(2):7. doi:10.1007/s11916-020-00923-2

Derry S, Wiffen PJ, Kalso EA, et al.Topical analgesics for acute and chronic pain in adults - an overview of Cochrane Reviews.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2017;5(5):CD008609. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD008609.pub2

National Center for Biotechnology Information.Trolamine salicylate.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration.X-rays, pregnancy and you.

National Library of Medicine (NIH).Costochondritis. MedlinePlus.

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