Ischial bursitis anyone?

[Pr0jection]

My problems initially started with what I called sit bone pain after sitting on a wrought iron chair for two hours without a cushion (I now know how daft that was). After 4 months with no respite and developing symptoms which were diagnosed as PMR I was told by my rheumatologist that prednisolone should help to alleviate the problem. In August 2020 I was put on 15mg prednisolone, then reduced to 10mg after 3 weeks, then reduced to 7.5mg after a further 4 weeks. I felt well all through this tapering with no sit bone pain. I also had an MRI. For a variety of reasons, mostly to do with my rheumy, I've remained on 7.5mg. About 6 weeks ago my sit bone pain, which appears to be ischial bursitis reared it's head again, now affecting my thighs and calves so walking any distance can be a problem although I'm fine around the house and garden. At my 2 monthly check up I mentioned the problem, was examined, and put on 90mg Narox (Etoricoxib) anti inflammatory tablets for 10 days only. Tomorrow the 10 days will be up and I haven't noticed any real difference except that I seem to be sleeping a bit better. I've been told that I might have to have steroid injections in both buttocks. I wonder if anyone else has ischial bursitis in the buttocks and how they deal with it? Apologies for the rather long post.....thanks for reading.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I wouldn't be so sure that the ischial bursitis is the underlying cause, more likely to be the effect - have you tried piriformis stretches? Sit-bone pain is typically a piriformis problem but left to its own devices you can end up with greater trochanteric pain syndrome and sciatic due to the piriformis muscle pinching the sciatic nerve.

In the past I have had quite severe sacroiliac pain that responded well to steroid injections - buttock pain but not the other distinguishing features of ischial bursitis which is a rare condition.

[Pr0jection in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks PMRpro, I'll look up the piriformis stretches and try them before I go back to the rheumatologist.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Pr0jection]

They can't do any harm - and hopefully they help. Steroid shots can be a bit hit an d miss - when they work they can be brilliant but it very much depends on the person who does them I suspect. Good luck

[Pr0jection in reply to PMRpro]

I didn't mention this earlier because I hadn't given it much thought, but having just google'd it I realise that it could be having an effect. My X-ray showed sacrolization which my rheumatologist said I was probably born with.

[Linlang]

no expert but have had bursitis in left thigh and found Elemis instant refreshing gell really helps. Has arnica and witch Hazel with camphor and menthol.

Not cheap but really helps especially when going to do necessary moving….

Good luck

[Pr0jection in reply to Linlang]

Thank you for taking the time to reply. Much appreciated.

[Linlang]

I’m in wear Hertfordshire.if u are anywhere near me I let you try mine.