<s>[INST] Hi,I am 26 years old female. Off late i have been experiencing severe pain in the left abdomen area. There is a slight swelling which feels like a lump right below the breast. I had absently hit myself a year back in the same spot to a table badly when some one pushed me from behind. The pain was on and off but now it seems be persistent and its getting difficult to carry on with daily activities. I recently consulted a doctor and she told me its the problem with my floating ribs and prescribed some pain killers. But it does not seem to help at all. Slight movements or traveling is causing discomfort. Can you please let me know what do i do? Is there a serious problem with my ribs? Thanks Deepa [/INST] Hi. Thanks for your query and an elucidated history. There is a history of trauma, localized pain in the same area, now is increasing. Yes, this can be due to costo-chon Chat Doctor.  This is an inflammation of the cartilage part attached to the bony part of the ribs. Once inflamed and not diagnosed can cause a recurrent pain. Since this is the most mobile part of the chest, which moves with each and every movement of the body, rest is impossible. You have to take a long course of anti-inflammatory medicines, oral steroids if required.  Rest can be given by strapping the affected part with elastomer / sticking skin tapes in a position of exhalation.  3 weeks course can help you nicely. </s>