Bursitis

[Jacey15]

Last year I had bursitis in both hips that was successfully treated with an ultrasound guided steroid injection. Its now back and my GP put a referral in for another one in August but I was sent to physio/musculoskeletal assessment instead. Now my rheumatologist has put a stop to having another steroid injection but I have no idea why. I've read you can have 3 steroid injections into a joint per year with the NHS. Does anyone have any ideas? I am in such a lot of pain and physio is not an option because I can't lie on either side to do the exercises. I am able to do less and less because of the pain and I won't be seen in rheumatology for another 4-6 months.

[Downtime]

That’s strange. I think you ought to call and ask them why. I presume there must be a reason and you should have been told what it was. Steroid injections can be very successful. I had 4 over the last 18 months and my hip pain got better and better until now I can lie on my sides and, crossed fingers, it’s virtually gone. There were times when I couldn’t walk previously. You deserve an explanation a d I hope they reconsider x

[Jetxav in reply to Downtime]

Wow I will phone the rheumy nurse and see if she can speed up the next appointment in light of what you've said.

[weathervane]

I have had multiple injections over the last year without any questions from doctors . I would advise you to phone your rheumy nurse to see if you can get any answers as to why they have been stopped. Best wishes x

[Jetxav]

Hello Jacey 15 Gosh how I sympathsise as I know too well the horrendous pain of bursitis. I have it in the right hip and the left hip needs a replacement. The rheumy did a steroid injection into the right hip and for ten days it worked but then a relative arrived from overseas and needed taking around sightseeing, which was a lot of walking for me and after that it went back to how it was prior to the injection. I also heard you can have up to three injections but at the moment I am concentrating on the hip which requires a replacement and have another appointment with the orthopaedic surgeon this week. The rheumy who carried out the steroid injection put me down for another appointment in a few months, which has not arrived yet! Sleep is totally impossible as you say and also any chance of physio. I do hydrotherapy but that is also tricky as I often overdo it, so it doesn't help. Will be interested to hear how you get on.

[Vonnie10]

I had 5 in 1 year

[Jacey15 in reply to Vonnie10]

Wow!

[Sarahg62]

I have had bursitis for several years and last had an injection 8 June 2016, which didn’t really work. My Rheumatologist referrred me to Physio, who has given me exercises, he explained that building the muscles around the area is a much better way of helping with the pain, and you shouldn’t just rely on steroid injections. I now have a permanent niggle, rather then constant pain, ( even though sleeping on it is still painful).

It’s worth considering getting some physio for it. Obviously doesn’t work for everyone, but it may help you.

[Jacey15 in reply to Sarahg62]

I have already been to physio which failed as I have it in both hips so can't lie on either side to do the exercises.

[Sarahg62]

Hmm. I now use fitness bands. No need to lie on your side. Think you need another physio, who understands Bursitis more. Good luck x