Why does my chest hurt like a muscle cramp when I squat down and stand up, and what should I do about it?

Jun 04, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Tian Hongbo
Introduction
Chest pain resembling muscle cramp when squatting down or standing up may be caused by intercostal neuralgia, pleurisy, myocarditis, or other reasons, and can be improved with medication. Besides these causes, it could also result from rib fracture, pancreatitis, myocardial infarction, and similar conditions. During illness, it is important to get plenty of rest and avoid excessive exertion to prevent worsening of symptoms.

  Chest pain resembling muscle cramp when squatting down or standing up may be caused by intercostal neuralgia, pleurisy, myocarditis, or other conditions, and symptoms can be improved with medication. Specific analysis is as follows:

  1. Intercostal Neuralgia

  Intercostal neuralgia refers to inflammation or damage of the intercostal nerves, often causing chest pain. When squatting or rising, body weight may compress the lower back and chest areas, increasing pressure on the intercostal nerves and intensifying pain. Patients may take medications such as ibuprofen sustained-release capsules or acyclovir tablets under medical guidance.

  2. Pleurisy

  Pleurisy may cause symptoms including chest pain, coughing, and difficulty breathing. Changes in body position, such as squatting or standing, alter pressure and weight distribution, potentially worsening pleuritic symptoms and causing radiating pain. Patients may use medications like diclofenac sodium sustained-release tablets or rifampicin tablets under a doctor's supervision.

  3. Myocarditis

  Myocarditis involves necrosis or damage to myocardial cells, leading to symptoms such as chest pain, palpitations, and shortness of breath. Changes in body position may exacerbate localized pain. Patients may be prescribed medications such as enalapril maleate tablets or acetaminophen tablets under medical direction.

  Besides the above causes, similar symptoms may also result from rib fractures, pancreatitis, myocardial infarction, or other conditions. During illness, adequate rest is essential and overexertion should be avoided to prevent symptom aggravation.