Costochondritis : Treatment
Disclaimer: I am not a doctor, the information on these pages is gathered from my own experience, books, websites, and other people's experience. I will not be held responsible for any injury resulting from this information. If you have a medical condition, you should seek qualified medical advice and supervision at all times.
How is it treated?
Because the cause of costochondritis is not known, treatment is difficult. What may work for one patient, may not work for another. Treatment typically involves ice and or heat treatment, rest, reduced movement, physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medication. When costochondritis is caused by a viral infection, medication may be needed to treat the virus before the costochondritis can be treated.
Anti-depressants, sleeping medication or muscle relaxants may be prescribed to help patients sleep at night, and deal with the ongoing pain.
For more chronic and severe cases, cortisone injections into the cartilage/ribcage are used to encourage blood flow and break up the inflammation.
Costochondritis can re-occur, especially if care is not taken to slowly return to normal activities over several months after the costochondritis seems to have gone.
Managing flares
NSAIDs like ibuprofen can help settle ongoing inflammation, and help to get past a costochondritis flare. Getting help where possible to deal with opening doors, lifting, opening jars and bottles, cleaning a house and shopping is often necessary during a flare, as such movements can make the inflammation and the pain worse. Sports gels, heat or cold packs, very gentle stretching, warm baths, and gentle movement ensures good blood flow to the affected areas.
For those who have costochondritis longer term or as a symptom of another underlying illness, lifestyle changes are necessary to prevent bad flares. Stress reduction, posture correction while standing or sitting, avoiding heavy doors, lifting correctly, limiting heavy lifting, using aids for opening tight jars, using a backpack instead of a shoulder back, regular stretching and gentle exercise, a good mattress and healthy sleeping routine, are all extremely important in preventing a flare.
See also 9 tips for managing costochondritis.
