<unk> , also known as chest wall pain syndrome or costosternal syndrome, is a benign inflammation of the upper costochondral (rib to cartilage) and sternocostal (cartilage to sternum) joints. 90% of patients are affected in multiple ribs on a single side, typically at the 2nd to 5th ribs. The condition is thought to be caused by repetitive minor trauma, known as microtrauma, and in rare cases can be caused by an infectious factor. Chest pain is considered a symptom of a medical emergency, and one study found<unk>  was responsible for 30% of patients with chest pain in an emergency department setting. The exact cause of<unk>  is not known; however, it is believed to be due to repetitive minor trauma, called microtrauma. In rarer cases,<unk>  may develop as a result of an infectious factor. Diagnosis is predominantly clinical and based on physical examination, medical history, and ruling other conditions out.<unk>  is often confused with Tietze syndrome, due to the similarity in location and symptoms, but with Tietze syndrome being differentiated by swelling of the costal cartilage.<unk>  is considered a self-limited condition that will resolve on its own. Treatment options usually involve rest, pain medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), ice, heat, and manual therapy. Cases with persistent discomfort may be managed with an intercostal nerve blocking injection utilizing a combination of corticosteroids and local anesthetic. The condition predominantly affects women over the age of 40, though some studies have found<unk>  to still be common among adolescents presenting with chest pain.
Costochondritis
Pneumothorax
Osteochondritis
Pulmonary embolism
Athletic pubalgia
Fibromyalgia
Epicondylitis
Angina