Costochondritis is a non-suppurative inflammation of the section between rib cartilage and breast bone. The cause is unknown, but is believed to be related with strain or trauma. The onset of the disease is slow. Prominent symptoms include cartilage bulging, swelling, spontaneous pain and tenderness. There is no local redness or warmth. For most cases only one cartilage is affected. Two or more cartilages are involved in a few cases. Treatment focuses on pain relief. For a very small number of patients, if the pain is severe and cannot be relieved by conservative treatment, malignant tumor is suspected. Surgery can be considered in this scenario. After the affected cartilage is removed, the pain can decrease and even disappear.
How is Costochondritis treated in practice?