How is costochondritis diagnosed?
Diagnosis of costochondritis is based on pain upon palpation (gentle pressing) of the affected joints. The person’s medical history and results of examination are usually sufficient, but if the pattern of pain suggests that it could be heart pain it needs to be thoroughly investigated. Swelling is not associated with costochondritis. Diagnosis is also dependent on the exclusion of other causes, including heart attack or bacterial or fungal infections found in IV drug users or postoperative thoracic surgery patients.
