costochondritis may be treated with physical therapy (including ultrasonic, tens, with or without nerve stimulation) or with medication. treatment may involve the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (nsaids) such as ibuprofen or other pain relief medications (analgesics) such as acetaminophen. severe cases of costochondritis may call for the use of opioid medications such as hydrocodone or oxycodone, tricyclic antidepressant medications such as amitriptyline for pain from chronic costochondritis, or anti-epileptic drugs such as gabapentin may be used. oral or injected corticosteroids may be used for cases of costochondritis unresponsive to treatment by nsaids; however, this treatment has not been the subject of study by rigorous randomized controlled trials and its practice is currently based on clinical experience. rest from stressful physical activity is often advised during the recovery period.