--continuedCostochondritis
What is costochondritis? Inflammatory process of one or more of the costochondral cartilages that causes localized tenderness and pain of the anterior chest wall. There is clear inflammation at junction of rib. It's not in any way a dangerous condition but may take many months to settle in some cases.
Goal: reduce inflammation.
Treatment: I take ibuprofen and use a pain relieving cream (e.G., ben-gay or other) at night. If you obtained ibuprofen without a prescription, do not take it for more than 10 days for pain without talking to a doctor. Ibuprofen may cause an upset stomach. Take ibuprofen with food. I take 2 tablespoons of Aloe Vera Juice before taking any pain pills. For a natural anti-inflammatory, take pineapple. sensored://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=34#healthbenefits
"Fresh pineapple is rich in bromelain, a group of sulfur-containing proteolytic (protein-digesting) enzymes that not only aid digestion, but can effectively reduce inflammation and swelling. To maximize bromelain’s anti-inflammatory effects, pineapple should be eaten alone between meals or its enzymes will be used up digesting food."
Plenty of rest and no movements that strain your upper body are recommended. I can't even carry my backpack (which weighs less than 8 pounds) for more than 7 minutes. You may have to modify your posture. Sitting for an extended period may also cause more pain.
How long will it take to heal? Depends on your injury. If you indeed have inflammation of the costal cartilage, you need to reduce the inflammation. I have no idea how long it'll take to reduce the inflammaion--I'm still working on that.
Cause: many cases have no known cause (idiopathic), but some are caused by direct trauma to the chest (hard tackle, car accident, etc.) or extreme exertion affecting the chest area (as in heavy weight lifting).
I hope this helps answer some of your questions.
Resources:
sensored://www.Emedicine.Com/emerg/topic116.Htm (updated: dec. 17, 2004)
sensored://www.Emedicine.Com/ped/topic487.Htm (updated: sep. 15, 2004)
sensored://www.Emedicinehealth.Com/articles/5058-1.Asp
sensored://www.Drcherry.Org/sept28_pf.Htm ("costochondritis-the heart attack that wasn't")
sensored://www.Diagnose-me.Com/cond/c598186.Html
sensored://www.Ncemi.Org/cse/cse0503.Htm
Posted By LadyOscar on January 13, 2005 at 19:05:42:
In Reply to: Re: Chest cracking
posted by LadyOscar on January 13, 2005 at 19:04:23:
