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