Costochondritis is an inflammation of the cartilage that connects the inner end of each rib with the breastbone (sternum). It can occur in any age group and is most common in young adults. Exactly how common it is in the UK is not known but in the US costochondritis has been shown to account for 10 per cent of chest pain episodes in the community and 30 per cent of people with chest pain presenting as an emergency to hospital.

The predominant symptom is a sharp pain in the affected area, most commonly involving the second or third ribs, which are often very tender to touch. (Ribs are counted down from the top and the first rib lies under the collar bone). The pain is usually related to movement, coughing and sneezing and can occur in more than one place simultaneously. Pain can also radiate into the arm and can be associated with a feeling of tightness in the chest. These are also the symptoms of a heart attack, so it is always necessary to take them seriously and make the diagnosis of costochondritis with care.