What causes costochronditis?

Causes

Costochondritis is often related to overusing the chest muscles and ribs. This can occur due to:

* Trauma to the chest that can occur from a fall, car accident, or sports injury.

* Repetitive motions of the arms and shoulders that occur with activities such as rowing, baseball pitching, tennis, golf, or weight lifting.

* Muscle strain that can occur with coughing, sneezing, or heavy lifting.

* Viral infections, such as the common cold or influenza, can also cause costochondritis.

* Certain medical conditions, such as arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and fibromyalgia, can also cause costochondritis.