Brief Answer:
No cause for concern; but healing time is unpredictable

Detailed Answer:
Hello ma'am and welcome.

Thank you for writing to us.

I have gone through your query with diligence and would like you to know that I am here to help. I would first like you to learn a little more about costochondritis. It is a condition in which the a cartilage that connects the rib to the central bone (called the sternum) gets inflamed. This condition is very common in women especially due to the breast tissue that can put strain on these very cartilages in discussion.

As one of the most common causes from my medical practise is the weight of the breast tissue itself on those cartilages, it is a condition that usually takes a lot of time to heal or is quite recurrent. Let me also list a few other causes of costochondritis:

+Physical trauma or injury
+Joint abnormalities
+Strain: Can be from lifting heavy objects, exercises, etc.
+Tumors in or around the region
+Arthritis

Treatment includes the use of pain management medications, stretching exercises, ice application, avoid strain and stressful activities, etc. Unfortunately treatment options are very limited and at times can be ineffective as well. Some individuals have shown to recover completely within a few weeks time, whereas, some have suffered from pain for years on now.

In my opinion it is all about being careful and making lifestyle modifications in accordance to your condition. I hope you find my response both helpful and informative. Please feel free to write back to me anytime, for any further clarifications. I am always here to help.

Best wishes.

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Brief Answer:
I am sure its not a tumor XXXXXXX

Detailed Answer:
Hello once again ma'am.

Yes, the x-ray would have shown signs of a developed tumour. But in my opinion the cause for your costochondritis is physical strain or a possible injury. Nothing serious to worry about ma'am.

Just make sure you take appropriate steps to make lifestyle changes to prevent future injuries or strain to the region and I am sure you should be fine.

I hope this helps clarify your doubt. Please do not hesitate to write back to me for any further clarifications, I am always here to help.

Best of luck.

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Brief Answer:
It is normal; unpredictable

Detailed Answer:
Hello once again ma'am.

During the first few days after a pain episode, it is common to feel the pain or sensation of tenderness in the affected region for a while.

In those days, rest and the use of pain management medications may be required. But this pain grafually subsides, or reaches a minimum which dors not interfere with your daily activities.

As mentioned in my earlier responses ma'am, healing time is unpredictable and in some individuals only one episode of costochondritis is noted all their lives, whereas in others, repeated episodes are seen.

In my opinion, the key is to know your limitations and make sure you avoid all activities that can result in an aggravated condition.

Make sure you get enough rest before you start your daily activities and avoid activities like stressful stretching, lifting heavy objects, sleeping in odd positions, etc; to live a life free of costochondritis pain.

Please do not hesitate to write back to me for any further clarifications, I am always just one message away.

Best wishes.

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Brief Answer:
It may feel muscular, but it is usually not

Detailed Answer:
Hi ma'am.

Aa costochondritis has been diagnosed, I do not suspect a muscular pain. Costochondritis can be localized to any one side of the chest wall or both depending on where the inflammation is located.

A muscular injury will heal in a few days time and will not recur. A muscular injury will also not cause a presentation similar to costochondritis.

Yiu can also top up the same discussion to continue talking to me, or write a new query any time addressed to me and I shall be at your service ma'am. Please do not forget, I am always here to help you and shall always be.

Best wishes.

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