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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Soreness And Pain In The Lower Left Rib?

I am a weightlifter and I recently did vertical leg presses. After which, I noticed a little soreness and pain in my lower left rib cage. I went to an urgent care and they diagnosed it as costochondritis. The doctor said it was an inflammed cartilage due to the pressure of the weights (my legs/knees were pressed against my rib cage).. I was wondering if that s true, or if it could be a problem with my spleen or maybe a hernia.
posted on Sat, 19 Jul 2014
Twitter Tue, 5 May 2015 Answered on
Twitter Wed, 6 May 2015 Last reviewed on
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Sports Medicine Specialist,  's  Response
Hello,

Thank you for contacting us at "Ask a Doctor". I will try to answer your questions the best of my ability.

I have reviewed your questions, and it is certainly possible that you have a so-called costochondritis. The other possibility would be a simple intercostal muscle strain in the same region. If you not have any swelling present then this is very unlikely to be something like a hernia. Also, spleen problems do not present in this way, and so this would also be very unlikely.

I think at this time it will be sensible to avoid any lifting. You can certainly take over-the-counter remedies such as ibuprofen or Tylenol if it is particularly painful. A local application of ice in the form of a bag of crushed ice applied for about 10 min. 4 or 5 times a day, would certainly help. I would continue with this approach for the next 5-7 days. If after this time, your symptoms are worse or you have developed any new symptoms I would certainly consult with your primary care physician. At this time I do not see the need for further tests or x-rays, et cetera. I feel confident that this condition will settle in due course.

I hope this information is helpful. Please not hesitate to contact me again if you have any further questions.

Best wishes,

Adrian Rawlinson, M.D.
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What Causes Soreness And Pain In The Lower Left Rib?

Hello, Thank you for contacting us at Ask a Doctor . I will try to answer your questions the best of my ability. I have reviewed your questions, and it is certainly possible that you have a so-called costochondritis. The other possibility would be a simple intercostal muscle strain in the same region. If you not have any swelling present then this is very unlikely to be something like a hernia. Also, spleen problems do not present in this way, and so this would also be very unlikely. I think at this time it will be sensible to avoid any lifting. You can certainly take over-the-counter remedies such as ibuprofen or Tylenol if it is particularly painful. A local application of ice in the form of a bag of crushed ice applied for about 10 min. 4 or 5 times a day, would certainly help. I would continue with this approach for the next 5-7 days. If after this time, your symptoms are worse or you have developed any new symptoms I would certainly consult with your primary care physician. At this time I do not see the need for further tests or x-rays, et cetera. I feel confident that this condition will settle in due course. I hope this information is helpful. Please not hesitate to contact me again if you have any further questions. Best wishes, Adrian Rawlinson, M.D.