What does Tietze syndrome look like?

Tietze syndrome is characterized by mild to severe localized pain and tenderness in one or more of the upper four ribs. The second or third ribs are most often affected. In most people, the cartilage of only one rib is affected. A firm, spindle-shaped swelling occurs in the cartilage of the affected rib.

How is Tietze syndrome treated?

In some individuals, the pain associated with Tietze syndrome resolves on its own without any treatment. Management options for others may include avoidance of strenuous activity, applying heat or ice as directed by your doctor, taking pain medications, and/or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

What kind of doctor treats Tietze syndrome?

Primary care doctors, including family medicine doctors, general practitioners, and internists, as well as rheumatologists (medical specialists in musculoskeletal disease and systemic autoimmune conditions) and orthopedists (medical specialists in disorders of the musculoskeletal system) are all health care …

Does Tietze syndrome show on xray?

In patients over 35 years of age reporting chest pain, a history of coronary heart disease and/or cardiorespiratory disease prior to diagnosing Tietze’s syndrome, it is standard to perform ECG and chest X-ray to exclude them [16].

How do you get Tietze syndrome?

Often, doctors don’t know why people get Tietze disease, but it can sometimes be caused by an injury to the chest, repeated coughing, or physical strain due to heavy lifting or strenuous exercise. Treatment for Tietze disease is usually directed at reducing pain until the condition clears up.

What causes Tietze syndrome to flare up?

No one knows exactly what causes Tietze syndrome. Some experts believe that it is caused by many tiny traumas to the chest wall. You might also get the condition if you’ve had a lot of respiratory infections, bad coughing fits, or strain from exercise or other physical activity.

How long can Tietze syndrome last?

The condition itself is rare, and most people who have it experience mild or short-term symptoms. A 2018 study notes that with standard treatment, the symptoms of TS last an average of 1–2 weeks . People who experience severe or relapsing-remitting symptoms may require long-term treatment.

How do you calm down costochondritis?

They include:

1. Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs pain relievers. Ask your doctor about using ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or naproxen sodium (Aleve, others).
2. Heat or ice. Try placing hot compresses or a heating pad on the painful area several times a day.
3. Rest.

Can Tietze syndrome affect lower ribs?

The swelling of Tietze syndrome affects at least one of the upper four ribs, usually the second or third ribs. While the pain associated with costochondritis may subside with time, some people with Tietze syndrome will still experience the swelling.

Is Tietze Syndrome serious?

Tietze syndrome is a rare musculoskeletal disease that can be painful but is almost never serious. It happens when the cartilage around the joints connecting your upper ribs to your breastbone swells up. Usually the second or third ribs are most affected. No one knows exactly what causes Tietze syndrome.

What is the treatment available for Tietze syndrome?

Specific treatment for individuals with Tietze syndrome consists of rest, avoidance of strenuous activity, the application of heat to the affected area, and pain medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or a mild pain reliever (analgesic).

How is costochondritis compared to Tietze syndrome?

Tietze’s syndrome is more localised, whereas costochondritis tends to be more diffuse. Both conditions may be considered to be subtypes of chest wall pain/syndrome. All describe musculoskeletal causes of chest pain.

How does costochondritis differ from Tietze syndrome?

Costochondritis is distinguished from Tietze syndrome, a condition also involving pain in the same area of the front of the chest, by the presence of swelling. Costochondritis is not associated with swelling, as opposed to Tietze syndrome, where swelling is characteristic.

What is Tietze’s syndrome costochondritis?

Costochondritis or Tietze’s syndrome is inflammation of the attachment of the ribs to the sternum in the middle of the chest. It is thought to be caused by overuse which results in repetitive micro-trauma.