Hip Bursitis

[GumbyGirl]

Okay Linda

Keep in mind I'm not a physician, I usually work with chronic injuries once they are diagnosed by a physician... soooo with that in mind, I am cautious with my advice. But here is some general info...

Piriformis syndrome often presents as more like sciatica type pain as it is generally nerve related as well. This means radiating pain in the buttocks, back of the thigh and sometimes the lower leg. Stretching the piriformis often aggravates it.

Ischiogluteal bursitis will usually present as pain very low in the buttocks close to or located on the ischial tuberosities (sitbones), often more achey... but only a physician that goes through a thorough assessment would be able to distinguish this for you. Sorry!!

One thing though, bursitis will not generally respond to massage and may become worse following treatment. So if that foam roller/ball is making things worse then maybe take a break, especially whilst in the acute stage! This may be your clue...

Not sure if this helps - best person to do a differential diagnosis is your PT or physician - but don't be afraid to ask about alternate diagnoses as they don't always look outside the box.

GG

[Wahine]

One thing though, bursitis will not generally respond to massage and may become worse following treatment. So if that foam roller/ball is making things worse then maybe take a break, especially whilst in the acute stage! This may be your clue...

GG

Just a little clarification here. Bursitis does not respond well to massage directly in the area and is in fact contraindicated. But, if the bursitis you have is a greater trochanteric bursitis (on the outside of the hip area) massage can be helpful when it targets the muscles that attach into the iliotibial band, that is, the glute max and tensor fascia lata. Massage of the glute med muscle belly can also be helpful in some cases. But again... no massage directly at the site of the bursitis.

[GumbyGirl]

Thanks Wahine - totally agree, the clarification is appreciated!

[tangentgirl]

So glad I found this thread. At what point should one see a doctor or PT about something that seems like bursitis?

For example, my hip has been hurting since Saturday, when I decided riding up the Hill of Doom would be a good idea, even though I hadn't tackled the Hill of Weariness, the Hill of Evil or the Hill of Malcontent in a long time. Everyone knows you start with those hills and build up to the HoD.

Anyhoo, it's Thursday now, and it still hurts. Kind of a lot. I'm stretching and Adviling and maybe I'll grab some ice. Is this the kind of thing that will mellow out on its own?

[GumbyGirl]

Oh definitely yesterday! I agree, better safe than sorry. I had a hell of a long journey back from hip bursitis, partly because I thought it'd just go away and settle down. Oh, I was wrong And at least you can get it checked out and find out what it is. Good luck with it!

[tangentgirl]

Can I whine for just a second? Went to the doc, got good stretches, exercises & whatnot, but damnitt...it still hurts. Ouch. Grr. Going back. Ouch ouch ouch.

Done whining. Please commence with your regularly scheduled forums.

[GumbyGirl]

Hang in there tangentgirl! It can take a little while to ease up, but the work now will be worth it!

[isconniethere]

I too have this problem! Last year I decided to take up running, and everything was going well and then, Hip pain. The doctor decided it was bursitis and gave me a shot in the hip (wouldn't refer me to PT!). It wasn't very helpful and I just had to stop. I have finally decided to try again and now hip pain right away in the other hip. I guess running will not be for me. It was very frustrating but I don't want to end up with permanent hip pain. On the other hand I have never had any problem with hip pain while biking!

[Catrin]

I too have this problem! Last year I decided to take up running, and everything was going well and then, Hip pain. The doctor decided it was bursitis and gave me a shot in the hip (wouldn't refer me to PT!). It wasn't very helpful and I just had to stop. I have finally decided to try again and now hip pain right away in the other hip. I guess running will not be for me. It was very frustrating but I don't want to end up with permanent hip pain. On the other hand I have never had any problem with hip pain while biking!

Have you considered getting a second opinion or doctor? There are many things that can cause hip pain - it would be a pity for you to stop running permanently if you do not need to do so. Why wouldn't he refer you to a PT?

[tangentgirl]

Wouldn't refer you to a PT? Bogus. I'd get a new doc.

I've been working with a chiropractor, an endurance sports-specific guy, who's given me some good exercises and stretches. It is starting to get better, slowly. I did have to cut back on training, and that's a drag, but if I get better in the long run, I'm not worried.

It doesn't hurt during cycling at all, luckily. Afterwards, well...I have decided to lay off the big hills for a week or two. Strangely enough, walking a 5k really *$#@ed it up.