“What is this rib pain?”
On and off for a few years, I'll occasionally get a moderate sharp/stabbing pain on the right side of my ribcage, and at the same time I feel a lesser stabbing in the sole of my right foot. Nothing I can pinpoint causes it, it just happens randomly regardless of if I'm moving or stationary. What's up with this? I've never had any prior injury (that I'm aware of) and I can't think of anything else it could be.
Female | 24 years old
1 Answer
Good afternoon. Typically rib pain can be caused by a multiple factors which can include inflammation to the rib at the attachment site next to the sternum, which we call costochondritis it can also be caused by non-displaced fractures, stress, fractures, or displaced fractures, depending on the nature of your injury. In most cases taking anti-inflammatories for 7 to 10 days will improve your rib pain considerably. If you determine that there is a lump around your ribs that is very tender. An x-ray may be warranted to determine if you have a fracture the treatment ultimately will be the same, but may require more time for the pain to go away. I hope this helps you All the best. Michael A. Palmer, MD.
