About Rusty Ford Expertise I can answer questions about most types of arthritis and the drugs and procedures used to treat them.
Experience I manage the one of largest arthritis websites on the internet http://arthritis-symptom.com/ I have been involved with publishing artritis research for 15 years and aswering questions related to almost any type of arthitis.
Organizations Arthritis-Symptom.com
Arthritis Foundation
Question Hello I have arthritus of the rib cage and the sterdurm and the more I more my arms sometimes it gets worst. When in a store and I am looking at clothes when moving the hangers just a bit the back of my chest seems like someone is in the back and twisting me someone how. Its a weird feeling like someone is using a screw driver or a wrench and turning me , sometimes it gets me so scared. Is this from the arthritus of the rib cage and sterdum or is this from something else. Thanks so much for your help. Diana
Answer Diana,
There is no such thing a arthritis of the rib cage or sternum. Arthritis is inflammation of a joint or joints. The ribs or sternum are not joints. There are inflammatory conditions that can cause this type of pain in the sternum and ribs. The main posibilities are Costochondritis, Pleurisy or strained muscles.
The bones in the sternum are held together with cartilage. Chostochondritis is when this cartilage becomes inflamed.
Pleurisy is inflammation of the the membrane that lines your chest cavity.
Both can cause a lot of pain when you move.
Strained muscles in this area can do the same thing.
There are some heart and lung problems that can cause similar symptoms.
The best thing to do is to have it check out to rule out something serious. Most likely it is not and treatment with anti-inflammatories will have you back to normal quickly.
