Sternum pain can be caused by inflammation, joint disorders, recent surgery, physical trauma, or medical conditions such as costochondritis or cancer. Treatment options vary depending on the cause, but pain medication and rest are often used. Accurate diagnosis is important for appropriate treatment.
The sternum, also known as the sternum, is a flat bone located in the central part of the chest. Sternum pain can be caused by a variety of conditions, including inflammation, joint disorders, or recent surgery involving the chest cavity. Treatment options for sternum pain are varied and depend on the direct cause of the pain, although over-the-counter or prescription pain medications are often used.
Costochondritis is a medical condition that commonly leads to pain in the sternum. Costochondritis is a medical term used for inflammation of the area of the chest where the cartilage joins the rib cage. The exact cause of this medical condition is not fully understood, although it may be related to chest infections or re-injury to the chest area. Rest and the use of anti-inflammatory pain medications are often used to treat costochondritis.
The sternoclavicular joint connects the sternum to the collarbone. When this joint is damaged, the result can be pain in the sternum. Accidental injury is the most common cause of this injury, and pain generally occurs due to a dislocation of this joint. Pain medication and rest can help relieve symptoms, but surgery may be needed if the damage is severe.
Physical trauma, including fractures to the sternum or surrounding structures, are common reasons for sternum pain. Damage to the collarbone or scapula can cause pain in the sternum. Each of these bones is typically only fractured as a result of blunt trauma such as can occur in an automobile accident or an incident of intentional violence. Treatment of these fractures often requires surgery, especially if there are multiple fractures.
Patients who have recently had any type of heart surgery are prone to developing sternum pain because, during heart surgery, the chest cavity is typically forced open. As a result, surrounding muscles and other structures may be bruised or slightly damaged, causing pain and soreness that can last for several weeks or more. Other medical conditions that can sometimes lead to sternum pain include overexertion, strained muscles, or rib injuries. Some types of cancer, such as breast or bone cancer, can cause pain in the breastbone area. Although most cases of sternum pain can be treated relatively easily medically, it is important for the patient to get an accurate diagnosis so that the appropriate types of treatment can begin as soon as possible.
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