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What Causes Pain In Chest And Around Ribs With History Of Tietze's Syndrome?
Posted on
Sat, 18 Apr 2015
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Sat, 18 Apr 2015
Answered on
Tue, 5 May 2015
Last reviewed on
Question : I have had Titzies Syndrome or Chostrocronditis before. I am 66 in pretty good health no heart issues quit smoking one pack a day after 20 years at age 37 or about 29 years ago. I have no cough or weight loss or shortness of breath. I have mid chest near the sternum some ache and under the scapula wrapping around from the front between the same ribs from the front to the back. I also have some intermittent right shoulder ache on same side. I sleep sort of funny with my right arm stretched kind of overhead...do you think it's likely my sleeping position or Titzies or Chostrocronditis?? I am a bit of a worrier. I play tennis too. Thanks any advise
Brief Answer:
Likely to be Tietze's syndrome
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome and thanks for your query.
Tietze's syndrome is an inflammation of the cartilage(s) attached to the ribs and the sternum. There would be acute pain associated with local tenderness and swelling of the cartilage. The pain may radiate to the shoulder, arm of the same side or back. Tietze's syndrome may occur following physical strain or trivial injury. Even a bout of laughter may precipitate it. Since you are a tennis player, the physical strain may be a cause. The symptoms are made worse by stress and anxiety.
This is a benign condition and resolves in a few weeks.
If the pain exacerbates on exertion without the use of hand, like climbing steps or walking uphill especially after food, a pain from the heart is also to be considered. An EKG would be helpful in diagnosis in such cases.
Do get back to me if you have further queries.
Best wishes,
Likely to be Tietze's syndrome
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome and thanks for your query.
Tietze's syndrome is an inflammation of the cartilage(s) attached to the ribs and the sternum. There would be acute pain associated with local tenderness and swelling of the cartilage. The pain may radiate to the shoulder, arm of the same side or back. Tietze's syndrome may occur following physical strain or trivial injury. Even a bout of laughter may precipitate it. Since you are a tennis player, the physical strain may be a cause. The symptoms are made worse by stress and anxiety.
This is a benign condition and resolves in a few weeks.
If the pain exacerbates on exertion without the use of hand, like climbing steps or walking uphill especially after food, a pain from the heart is also to be considered. An EKG would be helpful in diagnosis in such cases.
Do get back to me if you have further queries.
Best wishes,
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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