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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suggest Treatment For Pain Under The Rib Cage

Women in early 50 s has Pain that starts under left rib then will go all around body like a tight band squeezing her then goes away. She states it is not associated with eating & comes & goes. Has been occurring for about a week. Also states when touches area it is tender.
Mon, 17 Oct 2016
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello.

Pain on the left side of the chest and feels like a tightening sensation, is highly suspicious for ischemic pain i.e. angina. This becomes more likely if she suffers from other comorbid illnesses like diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, or is already a patient of a heart condition. An ECG and an echocardiogram may be required in this case to rule out any heart condition.

However, pain due to heart conditions generally cannot be felt on touch i.e. does not feel tender. Tenderness indicates pain which is originating from the muscles, bone or cartilage. Very possible is costochondritis. It requires rest, a course of anti-inflammatory medicines like ibuprofen or diclofenac (not more than 5 days) and hot fomentation with a hot water bag at the site should help. An Xray may be needed if there is no respite to rule out fracture of the ribs if any injury has occurred.

Hope this helps. Wishing her good health.

Regards,
Dr Geeta
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Suggest Treatment For Pain Under The Rib Cage

Hello. Pain on the left side of the chest and feels like a tightening sensation, is highly suspicious for ischemic pain i.e. angina. This becomes more likely if she suffers from other comorbid illnesses like diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, or is already a patient of a heart condition. An ECG and an echocardiogram may be required in this case to rule out any heart condition. However, pain due to heart conditions generally cannot be felt on touch i.e. does not feel tender. Tenderness indicates pain which is originating from the muscles, bone or cartilage. Very possible is costochondritis. It requires rest, a course of anti-inflammatory medicines like ibuprofen or diclofenac (not more than 5 days) and hot fomentation with a hot water bag at the site should help. An Xray may be needed if there is no respite to rule out fracture of the ribs if any injury has occurred. Hope this helps. Wishing her good health. Regards, Dr Geeta