Suggest Ways To Manage Pain When Diagnosed With Costochondritis

Posted on Tue, 9 May 2017

Question: My 10 year old daughter was diagnosed with costochondritis 2 weeks ago, anyway, the sharp stabbing pains have lessened but now she says it feels tight and like she can't take a deep breath. To me her breathing seems fine and I had her take some deep breaths to calm her down. Well it helps but the pain in her chest gets worse with deep breaths. So her attacks happened 10 times a day at first and are now down to 4 times a day and less severe, now she feels tightness instead of the stabbing pain. Her doctor said to continue Ibuprofen, that this is still the costo. Thoughts? Also should she take a break from soccer and running to let this heal? The weird thing is she has no symptoms while she is running.

Also is this how costo heals? Gradually lessening until it's gone? I have never had it so no idea what it all entails!!

Answered by Dr. Mahaveer Patil (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
she is recovering

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for posting the question.
I have gone through your medical history in detail.

From the symptoms it does seem that she is in recovering stage.

Costochondral joints always move with every inspiration and expiration. Hence,inflammation of these joints usually takes 4-6 weeks to heal completely.

Her treatment is on the right track and I would suggest you to give her Calcium with vitamin D and C supplements to fasten the recovery process.

Avoid ibuprofen as far as possible as it has adverse effects on kidney and liver.
It should be given only when her pain is severe and unbearable.

It would be indeed wise to stop running and playing soccer until the pain has fully subsided.

I hope the answer was useful.

Feel free to ask me any follow up queries that you may have.

Thank you.
Kind regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana

Follow up: Dr. Mahaveer Patil (7 hours later)

So the tightness and feeling like she can't get a deep breath or catch her breath is the healing phase of costo? I just want to reassure her because this whole thing has been very upsetting to her.

Answered by Dr. Mahaveer Patil (14 hours later)

Brief Answer:
yes,its healing phase

Detailed Answer:
Yes,she is in her healing phase and these symptoms will gradually wear off .
Thank you

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana