User:Mr. Ibrahem/Xiphodynia

Xiphodynia is a condition that results in pain around the xiphoid process when it is touched. Pain may be referred to other parts of the chest, abdomen, or arms. It may be worsened by bending forwards or excessive eating. Occasionally nausea or vomiting may be present.

The cause is generally unknown, though it have been reported after injury to the area. The underlying mechanism may involve osteoarthritis or inflammatory arthritis of the xiphisternal joint. Diagnosis is generally based on reoccurrence of the pain with pushing on the xiphoid after other potential causes are ruled out. Other conditions that may present similarly include GERD, stomach ulcers, gallstones, and heart disease.

Treatment is generally with simple pain medication. Rarely injections of corticosteroids or surgical removal may be used. Often it gets better over weeks to months.

Xiphodynia is rare. The condition was initially described in 1712. The term is from the Greek work "xiphos" which means sword and "odyne" which means pain.