Costochondritis

[hel838]

Hi,

I have seen two drs as I have constant pain in chest, shoulder and arm. Drs do not seem sure about what it is but have said they think it is costochondritis. I have had the pain 7 months. Has anyone else had it this long? Medication hasn't worked so far. I also have a swelling on my clavicle just above an area on my chest that if touched is really painful. Has anyone experienced a swelling/lump with costochondritis?

I have seen physio and he was the one that noticed the swelling. I have been referred to breast clinic and have an appointment at hospital in 2 weeks.

Fed up with the pain and it limits what I can do with that arm. Sleeping is painful.

[MattyST]

Hello. I completely sympathise. I have a costocondritis flare-up currently and it’s miserable. I am trying to exercise etc and don’t have swelling but I have tenderness and pain in breastbone area, plus elsewhere. Linked to my fibromyalgia. Hope you get some relief soon.

[Derry71]

I’ve had this on an off for over 4 years. I had radiotherapy and chemo nearly 6 years ago and unsure if it’s a side effect of my treatment. It’s very common in women especially if you have a large bust and wear tight fitting under wired bras

I’ve got mine under control currently after ensuring I have correct fitting bras. I was sent to a physiotherapist who gave me an exercise program aimed at stretching and correcting my posture. Believe it or not the medication I take to control it treats hay fever and allergies. You can buy over the counter and its common name is Allevia. Hope this helps? ☺️

[hel838 in reply to Derry71]

thank you. I will look for Allevia. I do have a large bust, didn’t think that could be a cause so I will look at changing underwear and see if that helps. Thanks for suggestions

[Konagirl60 in reply to hel838]

I think that is a wise choice for you.

I don’t have your aches but I have severe arthritis in my shin bones and liquid turmeric has helped me considerably. Just a thought for a natural pain remedy.

[Defenders]

hi, I’m from the UK to. I always ask when anyone has an unknown pain whether you have been prescribed a fluoroquinolone antibiotic, such as Ciprofloxacin, Levofloxacin, Moxifloxacin, there are more. Ear drops, the list is quite scary. Those items can cause any amount of problems. I was prescribed Cipro in 2015 and 9+ years later I still have peripheral neuropathy, an unknown lump (which I think is a bundle of nerves) above my right ankle. If any of this applies to you, I will tell you more. Good luck, Isobel xx

[Evonne02]

Hi hel838, So sorry to read about the acute pain that your in. Healthunlocked has asked me to give you some advice as I've had to be referred to physiotherapy quite a few times.

I'm curious about your shoulder, chest and arm pain though. For me, I was referred to a physiotherapist and given exercises, yet nothing changed with the pain. Then I was referred back and forth from gp to physiotherapist.

Luckily for me the next gp was a locum and sent me to A&E immediately, where it was discovered that my shoulder was broken, hence the collar bone, chest, and arm pain. I still have no idea how it happened. The consultant in A&E told me I had a condition that enables flexibility and can also bear acute pain, and is the reason why I could endure the pain for so long. It's called hypermobility syndrome, which results in arthritis later in life, as it did with me.

I've read some great advice that you've got, especially about the underwired bra. Yet, I don't understand why your gp isn't dealing with your pains in your shoulder and arm. Are you able to ask for a specialist physiotherapist? I'd write it all down in detail and send it to the gp practice so they can discuss it or you can ask then to refer you to The Pain Clinic.

Hope this helps. All the best 🥰

[hel838 in reply to Evonne02]

thank you, I have heard of hypermobility can’t imagine the pain of a broken shoulder!

I have a physio appointment again in a couple of weeks. The gp just keeps giving me different pain relief and told me costochondritis can last a long time. Last medication was pregabalin and one dr told me to stop taking it straight away the new one is duloxetine.

I get a burning pain in my neck and the pain can go into the side of my head and ear. Arm constantly aches and sharp pains when I move sometimes.

[Evonne02 in reply to hel838]

I've been on those which gave me more pains as well as hair loss, erupting bumps, boils and spots. I didn't feel the pain for all those months, I just couldn't move my arm like I used to do, yet it wasn't physically checked or xrayed until almost a year later, and that was by the hospital consultant. It sounds like fibromyalgia to me. Gps think we don't need help with it 🙄 I think he should refer you to see a rheumatologist asap. I hope you get a diagnosis asap as it's ridiculous how long people wait for treatment with all the messing about these gps seem to do these days. All the best 😊

[Minette53]

Hi hel838 I am so sorry you are suffering with this horrible pain. I have been having this pain in my left shoulder, arm, chest and left side of my head for years. Using my left arm to clean something triggers the pain on all my upper left side. Seen gps, they think it’s Costochondritis, rhumatologist thinks it comes from arthritis in the back of my head, been referred to physiotherapists, was given some exercises to do but with no much help. I still get the pain especially in the morning due maybe to sleeping on my left side. Every time I panic thinking maybe it’s my heart. To be honest this inexplicable pain rottens my life. I can’t even take strong painkillers because of my acid reflux. I gave up on Drs too as they have no answers. I take turmeric, paracetamol and I also limit using my left arm even if I am left handed. I wish you all the best.