Costochondritis and RA

patacake

I was diagnosed with RA 6 months ago and have progressed from naproxen, hydroxychoricline (not sure of spelling!) to methotrexate. I have had various symptons for several years, each one not relating to another, and now the penny has dropped and we can see why I had all these varying problems. About 2 years ago I was diagnosed with Costochondritis, I was given naproxen to releive the pain and after a few weeks it disappeared. I have now got it back again, been about 3 weeks - is this related to RA and is it someting I'm just going to have to put up with?

helpline_team

Hi patacake

Thanks for your posting.

The following links contain information on Costochondritis. See http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Tietzes-syndrome/Pages/Introduction.aspx and http://www.arthritisresearchuk.org/home/search_results.aspx?as_q=costochondritis&site=default_collection&num=15&start=0.

The best person to speak to regarding whether this is connected to your RA and how long it may last is your rheumatologist, or rheumatology nurse. See the following link for possible causes of this condition (see http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Tietzes-syndrome/Pages/Causes.aspx).

You are welcome to ring our helplines on 0808 800 4050 if you would like to have a chat about your current situation.

Regards

Nick
Helplines Team

CJHunter

I have had Costrochondritis a couple of times. Both times the reummy dept gave me a steroid njection. It was sugested that if i get another bout of it then I shold get some 'chilli' cream from my G.P, apparently it stops the nerve endings responding to the pain and can be quite effective if used as directed.

I havent had it since but if i do will try this.

Good luck and hope it eases soon. it is a nasty pain. Ouch.xx

patacake

Thank you for the advice, I will check out the links. I am on a two month course of steriod tablets so hopefully these will help with this as well as the RA!

Never heard of chilli cream, but sounds tasty! :P (p.s. love 'Jack & Lily')

Sara xx

suzygirl

Hi, I have had costo and it is very painful. Careful positioning, rest and hot water bottles helped but the steroid injection worked wonders for it. Lets hope the steroid tabs work the same for you.