Causes of Costochondritis
Causes of costochondritis vary widely and are often idiopathic, meaning they arise without a known reason. However, several identifiable factors are known to contribute to the inflammation of the costosternal joints. Regardless of the source, costochondritis occurs when the cartilage that connects the ribs to the sternum becomes irritated or inflamed, resulting in pain and tenderness in the chest wall.
Mechanical Strain
One of the most common contributors is physical strain or injury to the chest wall. This may include:
Heavy lifting
Vigorous exercise, especially involving the upper body
Prolonged or repetitive coughing
Poor posture, especially over time
The repetitive movement or tension on the rib joints can cause microtrauma, which leads to inflammation.
Trauma or Injury | Causes of Costochondritis
Direct trauma to the chest, such as from a fall, car accident, or sports injury, can irritate the cartilage between the ribs and sternum. Even minor impacts may trigger costochondritis in susceptible individuals, especially if the injury goes unnoticed.
Infections
Though rare, viral or bacterial respiratory infections—particularly those involving severe coughing—can inflame the rib joints. Certain pathogens may also lead to post-viral inflammation, mimicking symptoms of costochondritis.
Inflammatory Conditions
Autoimmune and inflammatory disorders such as:
Rheumatoid arthritis
Ankylosing spondylitis
Psoriatic arthritis
can contribute to chronic costosternal joint inflammation. In such cases, costochondritis may form part of a broader systemic condition.
Other Possible Triggers | Causes of Costochondritis
Allergies and asthma (due to frequent coughing)
Wearing heavy backpacks
Muscular imbalances or tight chest muscles
It’s important to note that costochondritis is often not linked to any visible damage on imaging scans, which is why diagnosis depends largely on clinical symptoms and ruling out other causes of chest pain.
In conclusion, causes of costochondritis include trauma, repetitive strain, infections, and underlying inflammatory diseases. Identifying the likely trigger helps guide effective management and reassures patients about the non-cardiac nature of the condition.
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