Risk factors

Costochondritis occurs most often in women older than 40.

Tietze syndrome usually occurs in teenagers and young adults and with equal frequency in men and women.

Management and Treatment

Remember that you should always see a healthcare provider if you’re experiencing chest pain. It’s vital to get the right diagnosis so you can receive the best treatment.

Your healthcare provider might first recommend over-the-counter medications to help reduce the swelling and pain in your chest. Medications include:

• Ibuprofeninflammation of the cartilage
• Naproxen
• Acetaminophen

Take one dose two to three times per day, or as your healthcare provider recommends.

If those don’t help with your pain and swelling, your healthcare provider may prescribe:

• Corticosteroids – an anti-inflammatory injection.
• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. TENS is a small device that uses electric currents to treat pain.