• What is costochondritis?
• What is the Tietze syndrome?
• What is the treatment for costochondritis and Tietze syndrome?

What is costochondritis?

Costochondritis is a common form of inflammation of the cartilage where ribs attach to the breast bone, the sternum. The inflammation can involve multiple cartilage areas on both sides of the sternum but usually is on one side only.

The cause(s) of costochondritis is(are) not known and may involve several factors. Possible causes include heredity (genetic predisposition), viruses, and trauma (injury).

Costochondritis can be an independent condition by itself or sometimes be a feature of a more widespread disorder. Examples of illnesses that can feature costochondritis include fibromyalgia , psoriatic arthritis , ankylosing spondylitis , reactive arthritis , and inflammatory bowel disease (such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease ).

What is the Tietze syndrome?

Costochondritis should be distinguished from Tietze syndrome, a condition involving the same area of the front of the chest. Costochondritis is not associated with swelling, as opposed to Tietze syndrome where swelling is characteristic. Tietze syndrome is an inflammation of the costochondral cartilages of the upper front of the chest.

Patients with Tietze syndrome develop tenderness and swelling over the ribs and cartilage near the breast bone (sternum). Redness, tenderness, and heat can also be present but a localized swelling is the distinguishing finding. The pain is variable, often sharp, can be confused with heart pain, and can last from hours to weeks. It can cause difficulty with sleeping and even rolling over in bed is sometimes painful.

What is the treatment for costochondritis and Tietze syndrome?

Costochondritis can be aggravated by any activity that involves stressing the structures of the front of the chest cage. It is generally best to minimize these activities until the inflammation of the rib and cartilage areas has subsided.

Rest, anti-inflammatory drugs, physical therapy, and even cortisone injections have been used as therapy for the inflamed, painful cartilage of both costochondritis and Tietze syndrome. Ice packs applied to local swelling can sometimes help to reduce pain and inflammation.

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