Yes. I stumbled upon an online article that stated that RA can affect the rib cage. It's an area my rheumatologist never mentioned or asked about.
December 2, 2025
Have you experienced inflammation of the cartilage connecting the ribs (costochondritis) causing pain with movement and deep breathing?
Yes, this is something that can happen with rheumatoid arthritis. Costochondritis causes chest pain related to the insertion of the ribs in the cartilage, either at the back or the Show Full Answer
Have you experienced inflammation of the cartilage connecting the ribs (costochondritis) causing pain with movement and deep breathing?
Yes, this is something that can happen with rheumatoid arthritis. Costochondritis causes chest pain related to the insertion of the ribs in the cartilage, either at the back or the sternum. People with RA are particularly prone to this type of musculoskeletal pain.
A myRAteam member shared that chest pain can sometimes linger for weeks or months due to inflammation in these internal joints where the ribs connect, similar to how RA affects other joints in the body.
This type of chest pain may include inflammation of those joints, though it typically presents differently than the inflammation you might experience in your hands and wrists. The pain can worsen with movement and deep breathing because these actions put stress on the inflamed cartilage.
If you're experiencing chest pain—especially if it's new or persistent—it's important to bring it up with your doctor right away. While costochondritis is a known issue for people with RA, there are other potential causes of chest pain that need to be ruled out to ensure nothing serious is missed.
December 1, 2025