Rib pain?? costochondritis??? Or something more sinister?

[Bonnie86]

Hey, so i have some quite bad pains in my lower ribs, right hand side on my back.

The ribs are so sore to touch, and can sometimes be relieved by a heat pack or a gel. But the pain still returns.

Visited doctors who advices muscular, ive been worried its much more serious than that, but have been advised that if it is sore to the external touch then the likelyhood of it being anything more serious is relatively low.

I'm thinking it could be costochondritis as I also have a few FM symptoms that I'm currently seeing a doctor for to be diagnosed. Bloods all back fine apart from a slightly elevated ESR.

I'm just looking for some reassurance and advice. Im going out my mind with worry, but looking to move forward now and manage the pain and condition.

Many thanks

[Deniseelk]

I have had Costocondritis at least twice. First time it was excruciating... took my breath away. Every step walking painful and especially so when changing positions, to lie down or raise up from bed again. I was given Prednisolone as I also had other joint inflammation too and luckily had a physio appointment who “ saw” my pain walking into the room and “Massaged” what he found as two or three incredibly tight muscles in the rib cage... really not easy to access but when I’m in so much pain I was happy for any relief! Second time much ,much less painful but still recognised it. It is very common with RA. I now try to see if anti inflammatory meds solve it quickly. If not, speak to your Rheumatologist to see if they believe anything else is going on.

[Hidden]

I am going through these types of pain too and been told Costocondritis is a probable cause with RA. I kept thinking I was having heart attacks but ecg showed not the case. Just talk to GP or RA team to put your mind at rest.

[Blackwitch]

It’s excruciating. I thought I was having a heart attack too. ECG showed nothing. I was all day in A&E & they said eventually that it must have been a ‘bit of cramp’ in my ribcage! 🙄

[happytulip]

I have recurrent costochondritis and it is extremely painful. Unless you've had it I don't think you can appreciate how painful it is. Every breath hurts.

If you can reproduce the pain on palpation then it is likely bti be inflammation instead of any cardiac cause.

Rest, strong NSAIDs, sometimes opioids to calm breathing and steroids are my treatment.

Everyone is different. I feel for you because I know how sore it is.

Take it easy and look after yourself.

[janmary]

I have episodes of what I assume is costochondritis too. It can be anywhere in my chest - often around the sternum. It doesn’t usually last more than a day or two, but I’m always reassured by the fact that it’s tender and warm to the touch.

Always best to get it checked out though.

(Although I never have...... have mentioned it at other rheum appointments but not much to show by then, and it doesn’t seem to count on the usual joint checklist ... so ‘they’ don’t seem very interested!)

[Caza]

I had my telephone appointment last week with my consultant & I told him about my new pain, ribs & back. He didn’t seem that interested, just oh yes you can get inflammatory arthritis anyway. Of course no examination no guidance. As I can’t take painkillers I’ve been left to get on with it. To be fair the pain is nothing like what you are all describing. It’s always there though & sometimes more painful then others.

[Caza]

Anywhere not anyway 🤨

[Gaz227]

I’ve had this problem for over 2 years now , sometimes the sternum pain is completely debilitating . Like other’s said had ECG etc , I haven’t been diagnosed with RA but it’s beginning to look very much like it , also I have trouble with my clavicle joints mri showed inflammation right across the top of my chest all the joints , investigating other immune illness’s now but at least I now have their attention , good luck .

[RosieA]

Hum! I had something very similar. Didn't affect the sternum nor was I in pain when breathing but shocking pain in stomach, lower ribs around the right and back. Found it really hard to get comfortable and pain coming through the back even against a multitude of pillow was substancial (Felt like the Princess and the Pea). When I pressed them I could induce the tummy pain (which initially everyone thought was gallstones). The give away was when I was scanned for gallbladder etc the only thing hurting was my ribs being gently pressed by the scanner. I have had it several times and now relax, rest and let them 'heal' a bit. Must admit that I now try and avoid activities that trigger it such as trying to prune all the apple trees at one go. Shame as only a couple of years ago I was climbing them!! Hey ho.

[fredsmummy]

I was in a and e yesterday, diagnosis was this. Due to have video call with rheumatologist today (my first one) it is awful, just wanted to make a suggestion - in my desperation, I have been trying EVERYTHING to settle the pain. Hot flannels help but temporary and so I tried tiger Balm as it has warning effect. This was really helpful and I managed to get to sleep lastnight (laying on my front) hope you get some relief.

[Hidden]

I've had costochondritis for years. My sternum is sore but I get pain in my boobs and in my back which was rheumy said was pain travelling from the sternum down the nerves.

I've had my sternum injected with steroids twice with fantastic effect. I find if my RA is not well controlled my costo is worse. I also can't swim anymore, always flares it badly but some people find swimming helps. I can't wear a bra either. I wear vests.

When it's bad (always at night) I slap a big ice pack on my sternum and take 2 high dose co-codamol. Awful condition!