Overview

You have chest pain because the cartilage of your rib cage is inflamed. This problem is called costochondritis. This type of chest wall pain may last from days to weeks. It is not a heart problem. Sometimes costochondritis occurs with a cold or influenza (flu), and other times the exact cause is not known.

How can you care for yourself at home?

• Take medicines for pain and inflammation exactly as directed.
  • If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine, take it as prescribed.
  • If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter medicine.
  • Do not take two or more pain medicines at the same time unless the doctor told you to. Many pain medicines have acetaminophen, which is Tylenol. Too much acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be harmful.
• It may help to use a warm compress or heating pad (set on low) on your chest. You can also try alternating heat and ice. Put ice or a cold pack on the area for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Put a thin cloth between the ice and your skin.
• Avoid any activity that strains the chest area. As your pain gets better, you can slowly return to your normal activities.
• Do not use tape, an elastic bandage, a "rib belt," or anything else that restricts your chest wall motion.