Hi Katrina. Costochondritis can be difficult to manage beyond the anti-inflammatory drugs and painkillers.It is helpful to try and find possible trigger factors like carrying heavy objects (the ribcage is where some of the muscles that move the arm anchor). These triggers should be avoided where possible. Heat and cold therapy may also be useful. Cold should follow acute injury while heat therapy can be used in the long term but only if it helps ease the pain. It would be advisable that you follow up with an orthopedist.

Hi Emma. Hopefully you went straight through to the ER and had the necessary tests like an x-ray done. This could be due to the impact but the concern here is that something more serious may have developed. It could also be a separate condition altogether. It is difficult to say for sure. You should speak to your family doctor and it may be necessary to have further tests to confirm the underlying condition. Only then can the appropriate treatment be prescribed.

Thanks

hmm when I crack there is pain, not a huge amount but its definitely there, despite this there is a sort of satisfaction when I crack it even though its a little sore to do.

Hi Aidan. Even though you have stopped straining these joints the fact is that it is constantly in use. So the symptoms may not resolve entirely. Many people find that costochondritis (if this is indeed the cause) is ongoing for long periods of time. It is often persistent in teens. Nevertheless you should not leave it unattended especially if it is affecting your quality of life. “Cracking” any joint is not advisable but it is usually not serious when it comes to the breastbone region, as long as thee is no pain when doing so and you are not finding any other difficulty. Speak to your doctor and consult with a physical therapist if possible.

Cheers. A reply would be greatly appreciated as this really is beginning to annoy me.

Hi SG. Simple muscle strain is a possibility but your symptoms may not necessarily be linked to the chest wall (ribs, sternum, muscles and so on). It is possible that this is a deeper lying problem. Despite your age and BMI you should not rule out possible heart conditions which is occurring in younger age groups these days. However, another possibility that you may want to consider related to the recent physical strain is a hiatal hernia. The reality is that there are many possible conditions that can present with your symptoms and it is difficult to say with any certainty through an online platform. It may not be anything serious but it is worth having it checked up by a doctor if it persists.