Question

How is costochondritis treated?

Answer 1

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 that can help reduce the swelling and pain in your chest. Medications include:

• Ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®).
• Naproxen (Aleve®).
• Acetaminophen (Tylenol®).

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). TENS is a small device that uses electric currents to treat pain.