From the Research
The most effective treatment for costochondritis is a combination of pain management, rest, and gentle stretching exercises, as evidenced by the most recent and highest quality study available 1. The treatment approach should prioritize reducing inflammation and pain, while also addressing the underlying causes of the condition.
- Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen (400-800mg three times daily with food) or naproxen (220-500mg twice daily) are the first-line medications to reduce inflammation and pain, as supported by 2.
- Application of heat or ice to the affected area for 15-20 minutes several times daily can provide additional relief, as suggested by 3.
- Rest and avoiding activities that worsen pain, particularly heavy lifting or strenuous exercise involving the chest, is essential for recovery, as noted in 4.
- Gentle stretching of the chest muscles may help once acute pain subsides, as recommended by 3, which showed a significant improvement in pain reduction with stretching exercises. It is crucial to distinguish costochondritis from other, more serious causes of chest pain, such as coronary artery disease, and to consider further testing if clinically indicated, as advised in 2 and 5. In severe cases that don't respond to these measures, a doctor might prescribe stronger pain medications or administer a local corticosteroid injection directly into the affected cartilage to reduce inflammation, as mentioned in 1. Most cases of costochondritis resolve within a few weeks with proper treatment, though some may take months, as reported in 5.