How To Treat Costochondritis

Apply Hot Or Cold Compresses

Applying hot or cold compresses to the chest can greatly alleviate pain from costochondritis. Patients should make sure any hot compresses they use are not too hot. They can also use a heated blanket, but must keep it on low heat. If using a cold compress or an ice pack, individuals must make sure not to put it directly on their skin as this could cause frostbite. Patients can use hot or cold compresses multiple times a day for short periods. An easy way to make a hot compress is to soak a washcloth in hot water and then apply it to the chest where it hurts the most. Cold compresses can be made easily by soaking a cloth in ice water or by wrapping a cloth around an ice pack.

Take Necessary Medication As Directed

If costochondritis pain becomes too severe for the patient to treat it on their own, pain medication may be necessary. In addition, if a bacterial chest infection is the cause of the costochondritis, antibiotics may be prescribed. Patients must make sure to take necessary medication as directed, and finish the entire course of antibiotics. If the chest pain becomes bad enough that over-the-counter pain medications do not work well enough to treat it, a doctor may administer anesthetics or steroids in the form of an injection. Sometimes a general practitioner can prescribe these; otherwise, patients may be referred to a rheumatologist.