Breast pain is common during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and can usually be managed with home remedies, according to MayoClinic.com. Other causes of breast pain, however, such as an infection, shingles, liver disease or medication side effects, require medical treatment, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. Symptoms that require the attention of a physician include blood or pus; swollen breasts within one week of giving birth; pain accompanied by a fever; persistent, unexplained breast pain; or breast pain with a lump that does not go away after a menstrual period.
Support
Wearing a supportive bra can help to relieve breast pain and tenderness caused by the weight of large breasts, premenstrual swelling and many other factors, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. Nursing mothers should also wear bras with extra support.
Medication
Over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen can reduce pain, inflammation or swelling in the breasts, according to MedlinePlus. Topical pain relievers applied to the skin of the breast may also be effective. Some people take vitamin E, vitamin B6 or a diuretic for breast pain, but there is no evidence that these measures are effective, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians.
Compresses
Applying a cold compress to the breast for 15 to 20 minutes after an injury to the breast helps to reduce pain and swelling, according to MedlinePlus. Taking a warm shower or applying warm compresses before breastfeeding can help to empty the breast completely, according to MayoClinic.com. To reduce engorgement related to breastfeeding, a woman can apply chilled, de-veined cabbage leaves to the skin for 20 minutes several times a day for 1 to 2 days for relief, according to RxList. Cabbage may interact with certain medications, so a woman should check with her health care provider before trying this remedy.
Breastfeeding
Mastitis, an infection of the breast that can occur in breastfeeding mothers, is cured by antibiotics, but home remedies can help to reduce the pain, according to MayoClinic.com. The woman should continue to nurse, making sure to empty both breasts completely at each feeding. She should rest as much as possible, drink plenty of fluids and avoid waiting until the breast is engorged before nursing.
Diet Changes
Some patients reduce the amount of caffeine and salt in their diets, although there is no evidence that this measure is effective, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. If the pain is caused by the size of the breasts, losing weight and eating less fat may be effective.
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