How do you treat costochondritis?

How to treat costochondritis

Most people with costochondritis feel better in a few days or weeks. Resting and taking it easy is often all you need to get better. Avoid doing anything that makes your symptoms worse.

Rest

Rest the affected area. Avoiding activities or movements that worsen pain, such as sports or heavy lifting.

Ice

Ice the affected area. To ice your chest, place an ice pack in a thin cloth and apply it to your skin for 20 minutes at a time. Do this few hours each day.

Heat

Apply warmth to your chest. This may be with warm towel or heating pad. Use moist heat, or place a barrier, such as a towel, between your skin and the heat source.

Pain relievers

Take medications to reduce pain and inflammation. Over the counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve) can help relieve pain and swelling.

Physical therapy

A physical therapist can show you exercises that will strengthen your muscles in chest. These exercises help improve your posture, maintain flexibility and reduce pain.

Injections

If physical therapy doesn’t help, your doctor might suggest injections of a corticosteroid medicine. These injections can reduce the pain and inflammation of swelling in your chest.

Surgery

Surgery is rarely needed for costochondritis, but it might be an option if other treatments don’t work and you have severe symptoms. Surgery for costhondritis typically involves removing the affected cartilage.

How can I prevent costochondritis?

While there’s no guaranteed way to prevent the costochondritis, there are some things you can do to lower your risk of it, such as :

- Improve your posture

- Don’t slouch when sitting or standing

- Avoid sleeping or lying in uncomfortable positions

- Take frequent breaks if you do work that involves repetitive motion

- Manage your risk of injury

- Use proper form and technique when lifting, exercising or playing sports.

- Be active to avoid obesity and deconditioning

- Start new sports or exercise regimens slowly and gradually

- Wear protective gear when playing sports