Brief Answer:
Please answer my queries to help me rule out causes

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
This is Dr Muhammad Ahmad,
Thanks for writing,
I have read your query and will like you to answer a few questions, this will enable me to help you in a better way.

1- What kind of pain is this? Sharp or dull like a sore muscle?
2- Does it relieve or worsens by breathing or position change?
3- Did you have any chest problem lately?
4- Did you have any trauma or heavy weight lift recently?
5- Is it tender? Does it pain when you press the area?

I am waiting for you input in this,

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Brief Answer:
Your symptoms are very typical of Costochondritis.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for writing back. Your answers really helped me to rule out many things.

My opinion:
WHAT IT DOESN'T SEEM TO BE

1- Heart pain:
It is NOT a pain due to heart issue because heart pain is not tender and is doesn't change in intensity when you breathe, change body position or if some one hugs you.

2- Lung pain:
It does not seem to be a lung pain either because lung pain ain't tender and doesn't increase or decrease on hug.

3- Rib abscess:
It seems to be a remote possibility because there is no fever and no fluctuation area according to your description.


POSSIBLE CAUSES:

1-Costochondritis:

your symptoms are very very typical of what we call costochondritis, its pain is tender, intensity changes with breathing movement, gets worse in coughing problem. Is few inches away from sternum at junction of rib and cartilage. Intensity increases very much when someone hugs because ribs are pushed. I will encourage you to read about this problem in order to get a better understanding if you feel like.

2- Sore muscle:

It is remotely possible but your symptoms are more suggestive of costochondritis.

SUGGESTIONS:

1- Warm compresses at the tender area really help in most patients.
2- Local pain killer cream/gel like burfen cream or diclofenac Cream.
3- Pain killer like brufen and tylenol do help.
4- I will encourage you to visit your physician and if you can visit a rheumatologist or an orthopaedic doctor, it will be great.
5- If this doesn't respond to simple pain killer treatment, your doctor may switch you to anti inflammatory meds and opioids.
6- You may also get consult with a physiotherapist for more targeted exercises.

END NOTE:

I would ask you not to worry this problem DOES NOT seem to be a serious one..with some rest care and medication it will subside in about a month hopefully.

Hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions I will be happy to help if not then don't forget to close the discussion and rate it.
Wishing you good health !!

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