Musculoskeletal Condition · Glastonbury, CT

Costochondral Joint Instability

Rib-cage joint looseness or irritation causing pain, clicking or slipping once serious causes are ruled out: non-surgical options with Dr. Paul Tortland, DO.

Written and clinically reviewed by

Paul D. Tortland, DO, FAOASM, CAQSM, RMSK

Dr. Paul Tortland, DO is a non-surgical orthopedic & sports medicine physician specializing in regenerative orthopedics and surgical alternative treatment. He is dual board-certified in Sports Medicine & Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) and Regenerative Medicine, Fellowship-trained in Sports Medicine. He became the first physician in the world to earn board certification in Regenerative Medicine in 2015. Diplomate, American Board of Regenerative Medicine (ABRM), 2015. Registered in Musculoskeletal Ultrasound (RMSK).

Condition

What is costochondral joint instability?

Rib joint looseness (costochondral instability) is when the joints where your ribs meet their cartilage move too much, causing pain, clicking or a slipping feeling. It is seen more often in people with very flexible joints. After other causes of chest pain are ruled out, Dr. Paul Tortland, DO, focuses on protecting the area and, when it fits, supporting the loose tissue with a targeted injection.

Explore related conditions: Browse the Back and spine condition hub for related diagnoses and treatment options.

CARE OPTIONS

How is costochondral joint pain treated?

Dr. Tortland’s potential treatment options: Dr. Tortland can assess whether pain is coming from the rib-cartilage junction, a rib joint, muscle, or another chest-wall structure. For a clearly localized ligament or joint problem, he may discuss selected prolotherapy/prolozone or PRP treatment; chest pain must first be assessed for non-musculoskeletal causes.

Physical therapy and traditional care: Traditional care may include activity modification, gradual physical therapy for thoracic mobility and posture, breathing mechanics, and appropriate pain-relief medication. Avoiding the specific movements that trigger symptoms may help while the diagnosis is clarified.

When other care may be needed: New or unexplained chest pressure, shortness of breath, sweating, faintness, or pain with exertion requires urgent medical assessment. Do not assume chest pain is a rib-joint problem without appropriate evaluation.

Common questions

Questions about costochondral instability

What causes costochondral joint instability?

Costochondral instability involves looseness or irritation where rib bone meets cartilage. It may follow trauma, repetitive strain, coughing or connective-tissue laxity. Because chest-wall pain can mimic heart or lung conditions, potentially serious causes should be assessed before a musculoskeletal diagnosis is assumed.

What are the symptoms of costochondral joint instability?

People may feel localized chest wall pain, clicking, or popping with movement, deep breaths, or lying on one side. Chest pain with shortness of breath, sweating, or arm or jaw pain needs emergency care.

What are the non-surgical treatment options for costochondral joint instability?

Care may include activity modification, posture and breathing strategies, and physical therapy for thoracic mobility. A targeted injection is considered only after other causes of chest pain have been evaluated. Surgery is uncommon and depends on the specific structural problem.

What regenerative options may help costochondral joint instability?

Prolotherapy or PRP aimed at selected ligament-related problems may be discussed after diagnosis, but published evidence for costochondral instability is limited. These approaches are not substitutes for assessing chest pain, and candidacy depends on the specific structure involved.