Chest pain from the joints and cartilage of the rib cage rather than the heart — but only after the heart has been ruled out.
What it is
Inflammation where the ribs meet the breastbone. It is a common cause of chest pain in younger and middle-aged adults.
It also follows seat-belt loading in a collision, which is why it turns up in accident patients.
How it usually presents
- Sharp or aching pain at the front of the chest.
- Tender to press on a specific spot — a key distinguishing feature.
- Worse on deep breathing, coughing and twisting.
- Often follows a crash, a cough illness or unaccustomed lifting.
How we treat it
- Cardiac causes must be excluded first. New chest pain is an emergency-department question, not a clinic one.
- Local injection where a specific joint is the source.
- Anti-inflammatory treatment and activity modification.
- Physical therapy for the thoracic and rib mechanics.
To be assessed, call (314) 310-5577 or request an appointment.
Common questions
How do I know it is not my heart?
You do not, from home. Chest pain that is new, or that comes with breathlessness, sweating or arm and jaw pain, is a 911 call. Costochondritis is a diagnosis made after cardiac causes are excluded.
Hurt in an accident? Start here.
You do not need a lawyer, a police report or a referral to be seen. Bring your symptoms and we will work out the rest.
Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Same-day appointments are often available for new accident and injury patients.