Hip pain on one side - is it PMR?

[oscarandchloe]

I was diagnosed with GCA March 2019 and PMR one year Feb 2020 when I had successfully reduced pred down to 4mg - no GCA symptoms since first 45mg dose. I have been reducing pred for PMR (initial 12mg) on 'dead slow' basis and I'm now down to 7.5mg with no obvious side effects. Well before all this -in fact for 5- 6 years, I've had a dodgy pain stiffness across my right buttock, tried various phyios with not much luck as it comes and goes. It makes walking uncomfortable and you can feel the tightened muscles - yoga can help. Tried Bowen recently but it did nothing. I think it's called piriformis syndrome? It has got much worse over the past 6 months and I wonder if PMR is making it worse? I have no pain/stiffness on my left hand side - in fact no stiffness anywhere now. In myself I feel well but on limited energy, still needing 2 hour rests in the afternoon. Any ideas?

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Piriformis syndrome can occur in its own right - but having PMR tends to make it worse. I've had piriformis problems for years but I could usually get it under control with manual mobilisation of the muscles through therapeutic massage/Bowen or my osteopath. It has been far harder since PMR appeared.

[daisylazy in reply to PMRpro]

PMRpro does that mean that there is no permanent cure for piriformis syndrome. I am interested in this because while rushing one day lately my leg seemed to buckle under me and since then I have pain in the buttock which prevents me walking properly. Would be grateful for your opinion.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to daisylazy]

Not really - it can be treated but that isn't the same as cure.It can be a structural problem, the sciatic nerve runs through the middle of the piriformis muscle in some people and anything that makes the muscle tight or spasm can result in sciatic nerve problems. The back muscles are in a constant state of tension, especially when we are standing, keeping us upright and stable. Various things can upset that - I have a scoliosis, curvature of the spine and that pulls unevenly, whiplash injury, lifting something awkwardly, plain unfitness leading to weak back muscles and so on. I did Pilates for years and that strengthened my back muscles and I had far fewer problems but I could still do something silly and "pull" the muscles and it would come back. Unless there is some way of changing that structural problem there is always a possibility of a return.

emedicinehealth.com/pirifor...

Your problem could well be due to sciatic nerve irritation - and it could be due to the piriformis muscle but there are other causes.

[daisylazy in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you so much and best wishes to yourself and OH. With all your own problems you still find time to help us all.

[Marcy47]

I had the same thing 2 yrs ago. My Dr referred me to an NHS physio, but the waiting time was so long that I went private. I was given stretching exercises to do in bed or on the floor (bed was easier as getting up off the floor was a problem). I also had some massage which helped somewhat. It took a few months for the pain to go completely but it is worth persevering.

[daisylazy in reply to Marcy47]

Thank you mercy 47will try all suggestions.