Costochondritis

Costochondritis is a condition that causes chest pain due to inflammation of the cartilage connecting the ribs to the breastbone. It affects the musculoskeletal system, specifically the chest wall. The pain is often sharp or aching and can worsen with movement or deep breathing. This condition is common and usually harmless but can be very uncomfortable. It does not involve the heart or lungs but can mimic heart-related chest pain, which often leads to medical evaluation. The main health impact is localized chest discomfort that can interfere with daily activities.

Costochondritis is defined as inflammation of the costal cartilage at the anterior chest wall, typically involving the costosternal or costochondral junctions. It is a common cause of non-cardiac chest pain and is usually idiopathic or related to repetitive trauma, overuse, or viral infections. The hallmark clinical feature is localized tenderness over the affected costal cartilages, often reproducible by palpation. It is important to distinguish it from other causes of chest pain such as angina or pleuritis. The condition is self-limited but can cause significant discomfort. There is no associated swelling or erythema, which helps differentiate it from Tietze syndrome.