Costochondritis is an inflammatory process of the costochondral or costosternal joints that causes localized chest pain and tenderness. This condition is usually caused by repeated minor trauma or unusual activity. The pain can be mild or severe, is usually quite localized, and is exacerbated by movement and deep breathing. Tenderness of the affected costochondral joints is a constant finding in costochondritis.
Ayurvedic treatment of costochondritis aims to relieve pain and inflammation in the affected joints. Medicines like Triphala-Guggulu, Yograj-Guggulu, Sinhanaad-Guggulu, Maha-Rasnadi-Guggulu, Maha-Vat-Vidhwans-Ras, Vat-Gajankush-Ras, Vish-Tinduk-Vati, Nirgundi (Vitex negundo), Rasna (Pluchea lanceolata ), Deodar (Cedrus deodara), Dashmool (Ten roots), Vishwa (Zinziber officinalis), Erandmool (Ricinus communis) and Khurasani ova (Hyoscyamus niger) are used to control pain. Local application on the affected joints is done with medicines like Vishgarbha oil and Dashanglep. This is followed by a localized steam boost with medicines like Dashmool-Qadha and Nirgundi-Qadha.
The treatment mentioned above is usually effective in relieving pain and inflammation in the affected joints in most patients. Those patients who do not respond to this treatment may receive additional medications such as Trayodashang-Guggulu, Panch-Tikta-Ghrut-Guggulu, Laxadi-Guggulu, Sameer-Pannag-Ras, Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), and Bruhat. -Vat-Chintamani. Some patients continue to have mild discomfort in the affected area even after taking the treatment. These patients can receive medicines like Trayodashang-Guggulu, Laxadi-Guggulu, Vish-Tinduk-Vati and Vat-Gajankush-Ras in the long term. In rare cases, medications like Suvarna-Sameerpannag-Ras, Malla-Sindur, Suvarna-Bhasma and Sarpagandha (Raulwofia serpentina) may be required.
It is important to reassure patients about the benign nature of this condition. Heavy and repetitive work should be avoided and inappropriate postures or movements corrected. Gentle stretching of the chest muscles may be beneficial.