Sure am having a rough time with this myself at the moment. It always pops up during a flare. Unfortunately there is no quick remedy for costochondritis. Tough it out and rest lots..........I do find that a daily walk helps though; it makes you feel better overall.

Alternating heat and ice, rest, keep up your water intake are the best you can do. If you can take Ibuprofen, it can be beneficial. Don't tolerate it myself, but I do take Tylenol ES to take the edge off the pain if it gets really bad.

Best of luck to you and know that you are not alone in this!

I've found a bit of relief with Curamin. I found it through the Vitamin Shoppe and Amazon. It hasn't cleared it, but it's tolerable. I'll take two to take the edge off. I was given this suggestion by a good soul here on this site.

Thanks for the advice Lady & Bobbii. Have been doing ice & heat. Ute will continue. Maybe with fam back to wrk & school I can rest a bit more :). Thx again!

Voltaren cream applied to the area also helps. Try to give your upper torso muscles a break, don't lift anything!

I had the feeling like am going to be sick or that I am coming down with the flu. I hope you feel better soon.

Thx Amiradora & Scootermom, where would I find voltaren cream because I've never heard of that. Also does it contain capsicum because I'm allergic to it.

Hi cdfrance26,
Voltaren is a medicinal gel, available over the counter. Generic name is: Diclofenac diethylamine gel 1.16%. Some pharmacies also have Diclofenac 10%, but that requires a prescription. Works great!

I don't think Voltaren is available OTC here in the U.S. - I use it but it's by prescription.

I'm amazed that there isn't a costochondritis group here on DS - we have so many people in this group who have it, and there must be many more.

Hope the pain is under control quickly.

Like everyone else on this site, I know pain. But I'm finding it really difficult to explain to my partner just what Costochondritis feels like. I find the pain to be . . . unique. Just saying there's pressure/pain in my chest that radiates to my upper back; that doesn't really say it.

I want to curl up in a ball when this happens. In fact, I've just spent the last two days doing just that. Trying to find a position where it doesn't hurt to breathe.

I've had lower back pain just about all of my life and I'm used to it; I can handle it. But the upper back pain is different. It just makes me feel like I'm going to cry.

I, too, do the ice/heat therapy along with Ibuprofen. The past two days that didn't even take the edge off the pain.

I'm going to explore the other remedies named in these posts, and I'm grateful there is a Costo community, even if it has to piggyback on the Fibro site.

And, yes, I am VERY surprised there is no Costochondritis group on DS. I've already put in a request for one, so here's hoping.

Thx for all the advice I so appreciate it. Have used some lidocaine cream I have, helped a little. Am down from feeling like I'm having a heart attack to just pain. Hope everyone is well.

I have had chronic costochondritis for years. For me it can be debilitating . I often use a product called Biofreeze . I cant elaborate on my experiences with costo right now because I am too ill, but I encourage you to read older posts about it - alot of good info.

OMGosh, mine is too today!! Worst since spring thunderstorms. Weather must be same where you are. My armpits hurt, my whole rib cage, pressure on chest with hard to breathe, UGH.

I was going to write about this then saw your post. Recently the Rheumatologist confirmed through blood testing that I have it. So, I was treated when it was really bad by the Cardiologist by Colcrys and Indomethacin (a strong anti-inflammatory). Did this for 30 days and wow, it knocked it out. Now, it's baaaack after 4 months and the Rheumy has put me on Sulfasalazine twice a day. I'll let you know how it goes.

Sorry, I wish I knew how to speed it up too...but I do feel for ya, literally! Hugs, JP