Are there joints in your sternum

Costochondritis is when the cartilage that connects your ribs to your sternum becomes inflamed. This can be caused by an injury or from a muscle strain, arthritis , or infection. If you have costochondritis, the main symptom is chest pain or tenderness.

Physical activity, coughing, stretching, or breathing deeply can make the pain feel worse. Costochondritis is treated using pain medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDs. If your costochondritis is severe or recurring, physical therapy may also be recommended. A muscle strain happens when a muscle or tendon is injured. Muscle strains can also affect your chest. This can often happen due to the overuse of a muscle from working out, playing sports, or even excessive coughing.

Initial treatment involves the RICE method , which stands for:. Over-the-counter pain medication may also help with pain and swelling. Severe injuries may need surgery. The most common cause of this is blunt force trauma from a car accident.

Other potential causes include falls and sports injuries. Treatment depends on how severe the injury is. It typically involves rest and pain relief while you heal. In more severe cases, surgery may be needed to put the bone back in place. The sternoclavicular joint is the area where your collarbone meets your sternum.

Although uncommon, sometimes you can develop joint problems in this area due to injury, arthritis, or infections. Since your collarbone is connected to your sternum, injury to this bone may also lead to pain or discomfort around your sternum.

Collarbone injuries often occur due to things like falls, accidents, or sports injuries. The most common causes of sternum pain are musculoskeletal issues. If you have lingering pain or discomfort in the area of your sternum, make an appointment to see your doctor.

People experiencing any kind of chest pain may worry they are having a heart attack. However, sternum pain differs from heart attack pain. People who are having a heart attack experience specific signs before the heart attack itself, whereas most sternum pain starts suddenly.

However, anyone who thinks they are having a heart attack should seek immediate medical attention. While sternum pain is not usually serious, there are some causes of sternum pain that require immediate medical attention.

A person should also speak to a doctor if the pain in their sternum gets worse or does not improve over time. Read the article in Spanish. Here, learn to recognize a heart attack and what to do next. We also describe treatment and recovery and provide tips for prevention.

In this article we look at what causes uncomfortable gas in the chest, how to tell it apart from a heart attack, and how to relieve symptoms. Symptoms of a heart attack can often vary between males and females. Being able to spot the early signs means that prompt treatment can be sought…. Learn all about pectus carinatum, also known as pigeon chest, where the breastbone pushes forward. We look at the symptoms and treatment options. Pain in the chest may cause people to worry.

Although some causes are severe, such as heart attacks, many of the potential causes are less worrisome…. What causes pain in the sternum? Medically reviewed by Graham Rogers, M. What is the sternum? Causes of sternum and substernal pain Symptoms of sternum pain When to see a doctor Sternum pain is pain or discomfort in the area of the chest that contains the sternum and the cartilage connecting it to the ribs. Causes of sternum and substernal pain.

Share on Pinterest The sternum is located at the front of the chest and is connected to the ribs. Share on Pinterest Collarbone injuries may lead to long-lasting pain or limited movement in the shoulder and upper chest.

Symptoms of sternum pain. Tietze syndrome can subside without treatment, but over-the-counter pain medication may be used.

Treatment typically takes the form of oral pain relievers — typically either Tylenol acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDs , such as Advil or Motrin ibuprofen. Ice or heating pads can help, says Gewanter, as can minimizing activities that provoke your symptoms.

Cough suppressants can also help reduce discomfort, and sometimes physical therapy is used to help diminish soreness. Some people find relief by splinting the chest using an Ace wrap or something similar to try to minimize chest movement, he says. By subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Health Topics. Health Tools.