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Why Would There Be Intermittent Pain At The Lowest Rib On The Right Side?
Posted on
Sat, 31 Mar 2018
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Sat, 31 Mar 2018
Answered on
Tue, 30 May 2023
Last reviewed on
Question : Pain in area of lowest rib on right side.
Comes and goes.
Worse at end of day.
Feels like a pulled muscle, but hasn't gone away for months, and have done nothing to cause pulled muscle.
Usually gone in the am. Starts getting worse as day goes on. I'm 69 years old. Male
Comes and goes.
Worse at end of day.
Feels like a pulled muscle, but hasn't gone away for months, and have done nothing to cause pulled muscle.
Usually gone in the am. Starts getting worse as day goes on. I'm 69 years old. Male
Brief Answer:
Most probably costochondritis
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
As per the history you have provided, this looks to be a condition called costochondritis. There is inflammation of the ribs along with the muscles attached to it. As the activity increases during the day there is inflammation and thus the pain increases.
There will be local tenderness on the pressure with or without a lump. X-ray of the affected area is done to rule out a fracture (it can be, even without any obvious trauma).
Please discuss this with your Doctor to get a proper clinical evaluation and medications accordingly.
Till then you can have the following:
* Use local rubefacient liniment that gives local warmth and relaxation.
* Take anti-inflammatory medication like Ibuprofen if it suits you.
* Local strapping of the local area sometimes helps by providing rest to the area.
I hope this answer helps you. Take care.
Regards,
Dr. T. Chandrakant
General Surgeon
Most probably costochondritis
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
As per the history you have provided, this looks to be a condition called costochondritis. There is inflammation of the ribs along with the muscles attached to it. As the activity increases during the day there is inflammation and thus the pain increases.
There will be local tenderness on the pressure with or without a lump. X-ray of the affected area is done to rule out a fracture (it can be, even without any obvious trauma).
Please discuss this with your Doctor to get a proper clinical evaluation and medications accordingly.
Till then you can have the following:
* Use local rubefacient liniment that gives local warmth and relaxation.
* Take anti-inflammatory medication like Ibuprofen if it suits you.
* Local strapping of the local area sometimes helps by providing rest to the area.
I hope this answer helps you. Take care.
Regards,
Dr. T. Chandrakant
General Surgeon
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Answered by
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