Costochondris anyone ?

[weymouth321]

My sister Diane ( 51 yrs ) has this - had to look it up myself - inflammation of the cartilage in the rib cage , can range from mild to severe , caused by virus / bacteria / bad cough / cold , as it’s inflammation wonder if anyone has or had this with rheumatoid arthritis ?

[allanah]

Yes. Many times x rheumy treats me x

[weymouth321 in reply to allanah]

Many Thanks allanah - what meds’ do you find most effective ?

[allanah in reply to weymouth321]

Unfortunately steroid ! And ice packs are the best!

[Hidden]

As far as I was told it's not caused by anything particularly. It's quite common and conditions that may cause it include:

trauma to the chest, such as blunt impact from a car accident or fall

physical strain from activities, such as heavy lifting and strenuous exercise

certain viruses or respiratory conditions, such as tuberculosis and syphilis, that can cause joint inflammation

certain types of arthritis

tumors in the costosternal joint region

healthline.com/health/costo...

I've had it for 6 years.

[weymouth321 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you poemsgalore1 , - think sister might be wondering if she’s inherited ra from me : ( diagnosed ra 10 years ago, when I was 51 . GP has prescripted Naproxen, Amitripyline and Zpain.

[helixhelix in reply to weymouth321]

I think it’s extremely unusual for RA to start there. Whereas costochondritis is quite common from other causes. So the probability is very much against her having RA.

[weymouth321 in reply to helixhelix]

Thank you helixhelix, my sister continues with Naproxen and reports Costochrondritis is easing up . Many Thanks - I’d forgot all about posting this question 10 days ago ; much appreciate your and all those whom replied on this ( Sister foxed weeks in this mysterious pain )

[Hidden in reply to weymouth321]

I had RA for over 30 years before I started with costocondritis, and what aout everyone with costo but no RA? My DIL also has RA but no costo.

[Deniseelk]

Yes, twice. First time incredibly painful and treated by Prednisolone plus a well timed physio appointment. Second time much milder and took Naproxen and tried to rest a little more. I still get a “ pop” sound sometimes in my ribs if I breathe in very deeply ( no pain) or with certain Pilates moves but am not surprised.

[nomoreheels]

I haven't but my h has, he doesn’t have RD but has had his sternum opened twice. He's had two steroid injections each time. There are plenty of historical posts re costochondritis & RD if you use the Search Healthunlocked box & under Filter results tap on My Communites.

[Karen12]

Hi Weymouth321,

I was diagnosed with Costochondritis 5 years ago and this was the first symptom of my inflammatory arthritis which was eventually diagnosed 2 years ago. It is still an ongoing issue and is the first thing to get worse when I am having a flare. I had a chronic cough for many years prior to this so this may have been the cause or an exacerbating factor.

I saw several doctors and Rheumatologists who all just said it was just Costochondritis despite it lasting many years of varying degrees. It was only at the suggestion of the Pain consultant (it was that bad) and occupational health doctor that I requested another opinion (my fourth).

I was diagnosed with seronegative inflammatory arthritis on the basis of the Costochondritis and Achilles tendonitis (which developed 3 weeks before getting my results) and mild synovitis on ultrasound of my hands.

I’m not saying this will happen to your sister but just to be aware it can happen although I’m sure like others have said it is rare.

[weymouth321 in reply to Karen12]

Please forgive me ; only realised today posting this question Costochdritis 10 days ago : so sorry - sister is getting better taking Naproxen ; after many weeks with this mysterious chest pain

[pjplant]

hi weymouth321, I have had a number of bouts of costochronditis, unfortunately I am having a bout of it now as I had a bad cold and cough over Christmas, I take a multitude of tablets anyway and when my chest plays up I use a microwave heat pad and find it certainly helps, I hope you feel better soon and try to get on an even keel.

[RAreyna]

Yes, and I had a right temper tantrum about it once I knew I wasn't having a heart attack. It seems barely a joint, but RA attacks synovium wherever it is.