Symptoms of Costochondritis

The symptoms of costochondritis mainly concentrate in the chest and rib areas, primarily characterized by pain and tenderness. Discomfort may worsen with daily activities, and some patients may experience local swelling.

Pain is the core symptom, often occurring unilaterally in the chest, particularly affecting the regions of the 2nd to 4th costal cartilages. The nature of the pain can vary, presenting as dull, aching, or sharp, with severity ranging from mild to severe; some patients may experience intense pain that is difficult to tolerate. Patients typically feel significant tenderness at the costochondral junction, which constitutes an important clinical sign.

Daily activities such as moving the upper limbs, coughing, deep breathing, or twisting the body can exacerbate the pain due to the pulling of chest muscles on the costal cartilage, significantly affecting actions like dressing and raising the hands. In some cases of non-specific costochondritis, local swelling may be present. Although the skin appearance remains normal, thickened costal cartilage can be palpated.

Patients suffering from prolonged pain may also develop anxiety and sleep disturbances. Due to pain and discomfort, patients' activities may become limited, particularly movements involving the upper body, such as raising the arms or twisting the torso. If these symptoms appear, prompt medical consultation is recommended for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.