Costochondritis

Costochondritis is a frequent cause of anterior chest pain. It is important to rule out cardiac disease as a source of the pain. The pathogenesis of costochondritis is unknown. The 2^nd to 5^th costal cartilages are most frequently affected. Palpation of the affected areas cause localized pain as well as widely referred pain. The condition occurs most frequently in women.

Treatment involves the use of NSAIDS and application of heat. If pain is resistant to these therapies injection of the costochondral joint with local anesthetic and steroid might be of benefit.