Tietze's syndrome tends to improve on its own after a few weeks, although you may still be left with some swelling after the pain and tenderness have gone.
Many people can relieve the symptoms of Tietze’s syndrome themselves with rest and by using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to control the pain and swelling. If pain is severe, your GP may prescribe a stronger painkiller, such as a corticosteroid injection.
Rest
Tietze’s syndrome can be aggravated by any activity that places stress on your chest area, such as racket sports, athletics or simply reaching up to a high cupboard.
Any activity that makes the pain in your chest area worse should be avoided until the inflammation in your ribs and cartilage has gone down.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
The symptoms of Tietze's syndrome can be treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory painkillers (NSAIDs), which can help to relieve inflammation and pain.
NSAIDs include ibuprofen, naproxen and aspirin.
Do not use NSAIDs if you have asthma, high blood pressure, or kidney or heart problems. You should not take aspirin if you are under 16.
For more information, see the Health A-Z topic on NSAIDs.
Corticosteroids
In severe cases of Tietze's syndrome, corticosteroid injections may also be used to treat the condition.
Corticosteroids are medicines that help to reduce swelling and pain, and can be injected into and around your costochondral joint. Before having a corticosteroid injection, you will be given a local anaesthetic to numb the area around the injection.
Having too many corticosteroid injections can damage your costochondral joint, so you may only be able to have this type of treatment once or twice.
