Dr. Nitish Mandal
If cardiac tests are clear but the chest still hurts when you move or touch the breastbone, it may be costochondritis.
This article is from Dr. Nitish Mandal, Consultant Pain Physician in Bangalore, with clinics in Koramangala and J.P. Nagar.
Costochondritis is the inflammation of the cartilage that connects your ribs to the sternum (breastbone). Because the pain occurs in the chest wall, it often mimics the symptoms of a heart attack, leading to significant anxiety.
Tests like an ECG and TMT measure the electrical activity and stress response of the heart muscle. Since costochondritis is a structural, inflammatory issue of the rib cage and not a cardiac event, these tests will almost always return normal results.
Sharp, aching, or pressure-like pain on the left side of the breastbone. Pain that worsens when taking a deep breath, coughing, or with physical activity. Tenderness when pressing directly on the rib joints.
When painkillers and rest fail, the article describes a diagnostic block: a small amount of numbing agent is injected into the specific intercostal space or affected costochondral joint. If the pain vanishes after the block, the source is confirmed as the chest wall.
Once diagnosed, a targeted interventional injection can deliver anti-inflammatory medication to the inflamed cartilage. The article lists immediate pain reduction, less need for long-term oral painkillers, and restored mobility.
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Dr. Nitish Mandal
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I have tried tablets and physiotherapy. What is different here?
Find the source of the pain, then treat that source with a clinic injection, block, or infusion. You are typically able to go home the same day.
Where are the clinics, and do I need an appointment?
Koramangala and J.P. Nagar. Prior appointment is preferred. You can book from this website.