Rib pain from osteochondritis dissecans
When most people think of rib pain, they think of the kind that comes from a broken or bruised rib. But a condition doctors call osteochondritis dissecans (often just called “osteochondritis”) can also cause pain and discomfort in the rib cage.
This condition does not only affect the ribs. It can occur anywhere there is a joint. It typically occurs on the hips, knees, or ankles.
Osteochondritis dissecans begins when a piece of cartilage, along with a thin layer of bone underneath, breaks off the end of a bone.
It is different from other types of joint pain that often affect older people, such as arthritis. It is more likely to occur in younger people, such as teenagers and young adults, especially those who play sports.
Osteochondritis dissecans causes pain near the end of a bone. When it causes rib pain, the discomfort usually occurs where the ribs connect to the spine in the back or the breastbone in the forehead. The exact causes are unclear, but it usually appears in one of three circumstances.
1. Repetitive stress damage or injuries to a joint are among the most common causes. Since osteochondritis dissecans occurs more often in younger people, it is often the result of a sports injury (such as a blow to the chest or back during soccer). Another classic cause of rib pain in this disorder is injury due to an accident (particularly a car accident).
But, it is not always the result of a single blow. Small, repeated bumps over time can build up and eventually start to cause pain.
2. Blocked or obstructed blood flow is a second common reason. This results in a condition called avascular necrosis, which basically means that the bone and cartilage around it deteriorate and die.
3. Finally, there may be a genetic factor involved. Certain people just seem to have a genetic disposition.
Rib pain is the most common symptom when the affected area is on the chest or back. Again, the bun is likely to appear where the ribs meet the breastbone or spine.
The pain may be especially noticeable when you exercise vigorously and need to breathe deeply and quickly.
As mentioned above, other areas of the body can also develop this condition. The affected joints do not move as easily, and you do not have normal range of motion. When it develops in the joints, there is sometimes a feeling of weakness, along with some tenderness and swelling. When osteochondritis dissecans causes pain in the front of the torso, it is sometimes mistaken for angina or chest pains from a heart attack. Upper back pain near the spine may seem like a symptom of a gallbladder problem.
Anyone who has the symptoms of osteochondritis dissecans should see their doctor as soon as possible. Early diagnosis is important because disability can result if left untreated. When treating osteochondritis dissecans, your doctor will focus on restoring normal joint function while alleviating or even eliminating pain. There are a number of treatment possibilities that may work, depending on the details of the case. Your healthcare provider will likely recommend one or a combination of the following options.
Rest, relaxation and avoidance of activities that can worsen the condition.
Normally, it is a good idea to immobilize the affected joint. But if you have rib pain, this is not practical, as you have to breathe. But you can certainly avoid activities, such as athletic competition and vigorous exercise, that require deep, rapid breathing.
NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) can help relieve rib pain. These include aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen sodium. They are sometimes better known by their brand names, which include Advil, Motrin, Aleve, and Naprosyn.
Physiotherapy will usually help in cases where the joints have been affected. However, rib pain can be a little different, so you’ll need to pay close attention to your doctor’s or therapist’s instructions regarding exercises.
Most doctors will try to relieve the pain of this type of joint condition for three to four months before deciding on surgery.
By getting an early diagnosis and following your doctor’s treatment recommendations, you increase your chances of returning to your normal activities without fear of rib pain from osteochondritis dissecans.