Costochondritis is characterized by pain and tenderness in the cartilage that connects the ribs to the breastbone. It is the most common cause of chest wall pain and primarily affects adults over 40 years. When swelling accompanies the pain and tenderness, the condition is called Tietze syndrome. Tietze syndrome is rare and generally affects people under the age of 40.

The cause of costochondritis is not known, but it often follows chest injuries, persistent coughing, overuse of the upper body (e.g., shoulder, arm), arthritis, osteoporosis and chest surgery.

The chest pain in costochondritis may be sharp and fleeting or dull and lasting. Deep breathing and pressure to the chest worsen the pain. In Tietze syndrome, the pain occurs suddenly and may be accompanied by heat, redness and swelling.

The diagnosis of costochondritis relies upon the patient’s medical history and a physical examination. It is often a diagnosis of exclusion, meaning that it may be diagnosed after the physician rules out other conditions, such as coronary artery disease, that may be causing the symptoms. Costochondritis may accompany certain other conditions, such as arthritis, that may cause similar symptoms on their own.