bursitis and PMR

[humlies]

Hallo everyone. As far as I can make out, I seem to have developed bursitis; is this a common effect of PMR? Does anyone know what I can do about it? It is, to put it mildly, a bore; at the moment I can only just walk a very short distance, climbing stairs is like climbing Everest (or so I imagine), and swimming, which I love, is completely out. I have upped my pred. dose from 3 1/2 mg to 5 mg. on the advice of the practice nurse. It is wonderful to have the support of this forum.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

If you have a look at the related posts, you’ll find it’s very common….and hopefully the responses will give you some tips on how to deal with it.

[humlies in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you - so many possibilities that I suppose I just have to experiment to find out what is helpful for me.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to humlies]

This is nhs advice - may be a starter - nhs.uk/conditions/bursitis/

[humlies in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you again. The practice nurse (who is highly experienced) had no doubt it was bursitis. I have some exercises from a physio but they only seem to make it worse!. I have found a stretching exercise on the internet which I will try,

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to humlies]

Yes unfortunately it’s like lots of things, one size doesn’t fit all….what works for some doesn't work for others…..and physio doesn’t always sit well with PMR!

Bit of trial and error required probably.

[humlies in reply to DorsetLady]

oh well, it keeps us occupied, I suppose...

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Bursitis is often actually part of PMR, it involves some of the tissues that PMR affects.

I have had steroid injections a few times - brilliant! But then, I do have a particularly good rheumy who is very adept at finding the right spot to jab! He also understands just how painful it is, as was evidenced from the conversation with the nurses who were trying to warn me how painful the injection would be - we both pointed out to them that actually the bursitis pain was far far worse!

myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/...

I found the clamshell exercise particularly useful to start with - worth a try.

[humlies in reply to PMRpro]

Ah - thank you very much. So that is the clamshell exercise that was recommended in some previous correspondence.How long do you think I should continue on 5 mg of pred? (I was on 3 1/2) ?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to humlies]

Is it helping? Oral pred doesn't always, or at least not at a low dose, it depends.

[humlies in reply to PMRpro]

Well, after 4 days on 5mg pred (up from 3 1/2), I can't say I notice any great change. In the middle of all this I had a Shingrix vaccination, but I don't think that really made matters worse

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to humlies]

I doubt that small an increase would help - a few days at 10mg might show something - and you can drop straight back to the low dose if it doesn't.

[humlies in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you PMRPro - I will, reluctantly, try 10 mg ; thank you for reminding me that I can drop straight back to the lower dose.

[castingcollectives]

I have had bursitis in my hips several times with PMR desperately try yo get off steroids after 3 years first GCA and PMR comes back after 4mg.I think many if us get bursitis it will get better but don't push until pain has gone I found hot water bottle helped at night.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to castingcollectives]

The PMR isn't "coming back" - the underlying cause of the symptoms we call GCA/PMR has never gone away. It is a chronic condition that lasts more than 6 years or half of patients. Certainly 4 or 5 years is a very common duration on the forums.

You are never reducing relentlessly to zero, you are looking for the lowest dose that manages the symptoms at a steady state with no increase over time. It sounds as you are lucky and it is 4mg - a low dose and one that is safe enough to take for some time.

[jinasc in reply to PMRpro]

Piris Formis and Bursitis still comes back and as you know been remission since last 1mg prednisolone 31 December 2011.

Physio did not help at all. I still find Acupuncture works for me. Thank goodness and it seems to last around 10 months after 4 sessions.

[AyJayBass in reply to jinasc]

I had "greater trochanteric pain syndrome" (used to be called hip or trochanteric bursitis) as few years ago, well before PMR. I had physio which helped a bit but also acupuncture (by the physio). The bursitis eventually cleared up. I have felt it again at times recently but it seems to come and go thankfully.

[humlies in reply to AyJayBass]

Yes, it is reassuring to hear that it does not necessarily hang around for ever!

[humlies in reply to jinasc]

I wonder if a chiropractor would help?

[humlies in reply to PMRpro]

This is helpful if depressing!!

[humlies in reply to castingcollectives]

Thank you - I too love my hot water bottle.

[humlies in reply to castingcollectives]

Thank you for your reply. It is good to be reminded that it will eventually go - even if only for a time!

[Rugger]

My PMR flared as bursitis in both hips and shoulders. The only thing that helped was more pred and time! I hope it resolves for you soon.

[humlies in reply to Rugger]

Thank you - patience is a virtue that I seem to lack in relation to PMR!

[Carrollee]

Hi Humlies. Have had it many times in different areas. In more recent years it’s been in my hip joint. Each time I have had acupuncture to remedy it and for me it has worked well and quickly. 🤗

[humlies in reply to Carrollee]

Thank you Carrollee. It is good to hear that there are remedies to add to the pred.

[jobyway]

Hello Humlies , as many above, I had bursitis which could have been treated with an injection but was told by my consultant that I had to wait until Covid had started to subside. In fact it did then subside with time and without doing the recommended physio which seemed to make it worse. Pretty much back to normal now so can do some exercise to help the muscles tone up again, so it is possible for time to mend.

[humlies in reply to jobyway]

Such a relief to hear that time is a healer. I am actually slightly better than I was a week ago - whether this is because of more pred, doing next to no walking, or some exercises, I just do not know! The pain seems to be shifting to the groin, so maybe it is a question of patience!

[nuigini]

I presently have hip bursitis in one hip, but have had it in both in the past.

Rest, icing, and a brief relationship with ibuprofen have helped reduce the pain. Following up with suggested exercise has finished off the healing. I've never had to up prednisone to deal with it.

Hoping the current bout will be resolved in the same way.

[humlies in reply to nuigini]

Thank you - I have not resorted to neurofen because of the pred, but will try that for a day or two.

[kiwijenn]

My rheumatologist told me PMR often manifests with other conditions like OA and bursitis. I have found bursitis in both knees have responded very well to acupuncture and heat lamp. I find that my legs in general are easily fatigued. I am doing physio as well and have found so far slow improvement in endurance and strength. I am not on prednisone. My rheumatologist wanted to start w low dose Naltrexone (LDN) and within 6 weeks of dosage upgrade, I was 75% better. I have also been using herbs for lymph clearing (Chinese med Dr says it’s about getting circulation going in addition to reducing inflammation) and anti inflammatory herbs. It’s a day to day process as you all know.

[humlies in reply to kiwijenn]

Thank you for your reply. I'm fascinated that you are not on pred. What is Naltrexone?

[Suet3942]

Hi humliesI too have bursitis which is very painful at the moment. My rheumy has made me an appt for the 22nd November to discuss having injections. Hopefully they will ease the pain.

[humlies in reply to Suet3942]

Hallo! Thank you for your message. I find now the pain is shifting around a bit, but I will definitely contact the surgery and discuss injections if it doesn't get any better.

[humlies in reply to Suet3942]

Sorry! I inadvertently pressed the wrong key! I meant to add that I really sympathise with you and do hope your pain improves very soon. It sounds agonising.

[Suet3942]

Thank you. It's certainly hindering my walking.

[humlies in reply to Suet3942]

yes I agree. Difficult to exercise - I live by the sea so have been swimming, but I think the weather has put paid to that!

[wizofoz]

I just recently had a bout of bursitis in my right hip, VERY PAINFUL .

It took about 2 weeks, to subside and I took some pain meds and rested it.

So time will help, but it is awful. I couldn't walk without pain!

[wizofoz]

forgot to mention, I have AIH and have been on prednisone for 4 years, consistently every day!

[humlies in reply to wizofoz]

So you have a lot on your plate. I am feeling frustrated after 15 months of PMR, so I really feel for you and others who have to fight on year after year.

[wizofoz in reply to humlies]

Thank you for your concern, it feels so good to think someone actually understands!

I have a wonderful family and very close friends, but no one seems to "get It"!

I am so fatigued and my belly is always swollen. I have an appointment in November(the 2nd) at Tulane Abdominal Transplant Clinic. I have been under the care of a gastro doctor for 4 years and he referred me to this clinic.

So, please send prayers if you are the praying kind. I am hoping that he will be able to help me without suggesting a transplant.

Thank you all again, for listening!