Region: Chest
Costochondritis happens when the cartilage connecting your ribs to your breastbone becomes inflamed. This causes chest pain, especially with movement or breathing.
What is Costochondritis?
Costochondritis happens when the cartilage connecting your ribs to your breastbone becomes inflamed. This causes chest pain, especially with movement or breathing.
Symptoms
- Chest pain
- Pain near the breastbone
- Tenderness to touch
- Pain with movement
- Pain with breathing
What does Costochondritis feel like?
- Sharp or aching pain in the chest
- Pain near the center of the chest
- Pain when pressing on the area
- Pain when breathing or moving
What are common causes of Costochondritis?
- Overuse during activity
- Repetitive upper body movement
- Heavy lifting
- Coughing or strain
Self check
- Is the pain near the center of your chest?
- Does it hurt when you press on the area?
- Does movement make it worse?
- Does breathing increase the pain?
- Did it start without a direct hit?
Educational only — not a medical diagnosis.
What to do now
- Rest from activity
- Avoid movements that cause pain
- Ice 10–15 minutes
- Avoid heavy lifting
- Stay lightly active as tolerated
Red flags
- Rest from activity
- Avoid movements that cause pain
- Ice 10–15 minutes
- Avoid heavy lifting
- Stay lightly active as tolerated
Recovery tips
- Gradually return to activity
- Avoid overuse
- Strengthen upper body muscles
- Maintain good posture
- Allow time for healing
Educational only. Not a medical diagnosis.