Does anyone have gluteal tendinopathy? Any successful treatments?

I just had an MRI which showed gluteal tendinopathy! I have an autoimmune disease that targets my spine and hips (Non-Radial Axial Spondyloarthopathy), and my muscles in that area hurt 24-7. Immune suppressants have made a huge difference in my life. It took 25 years to get a diagnosis, but all I know is that during those years nobody ever made the connection about how much better I felt on anti-inflammatories or steroids - they worked like magic when I was on them, but my symptoms returned fairly quickly once I stopped the course of treatment. Has anyone ever run blood work looking for inflammation markers?

Also, I'm not sure of your sex or age, but I remember seeing something recently about post-menopausal women and gluteal tendinopathy. There seems to be a correlation between the two due to the decrease in estrogen. I found the following (obviously not relevant for you if you're a guy!):
https://bsmfoundation.ca/menopause-a-pain-in-the-butt/
Hope you're able to find something that works.
Best, Pauline 🙂

Hello pm56, I was wondering, the MRI you took, was it specifically for the hip? I have a MRI Abdomen scheduled and was wondering if that would show any issue of gluteal tendinopathy, or if you need to MRI a specific area?

thanks you in advance,
Donna

I've had severe chronic pain of the hip and gluteal and low back regions for 8 years! Seen multiple specialists, physical therapists, pain clinics, injections and various medications. Nothing really works. Lumbar mri does show arthritis/disc disease and hip/pelvis mri shows gluteal tendonitis. Since it won't go away, Drs. say I have gluteal tendinopathy. I used to exercise daily (yoga). Now, If I try to exercise, even walking 1-2 miles, it makes the pain worse. I can't sit comfortably. Every day is a battle to be as comfortable as possible with the least amount of pain I can bear. I agree Norco works the best at pain management. But I do not take it due to all the scrutiny. I do use Elavil which helps my lumbar region about 40%. But I still can't walk or stand without severe pain. The gluteal tendinopathy is hardly ever controlled. I recently started low dose naltrexone as a last resort. Only been on 1.5 mg for 6 weeks. It has helped with my sinus inflammation, but not my hips yet. I'm hoping as time goes by and I titrate up to 4.5 mg I will have some relief. I'll give it 6 months. If still can't exercise, I will try a biologic like enbrel, cosentyx, or rinvoq. I do see a rheumatologist and dermatologist for autoimmune related symptoms. Perhaps try a rheumatologist you may have chronic inflammation (what they claim is my problem). I used lyrica and various nsaids they all provided some relief maybe 45-60%. However, I developed numerous stomach ulcers and can no longer take either. I do get hip joint injections, hip bursa injections and they help but not long enough maybe 3-4 weeks. I'm getting ready to have a medial branch block to see if it helps with the back. However, I feel the bi-lateral hip and gluteal pain are permanent after 8 years. I'm 60yo female and developed osteoporosis in the hips after all the steroids. Not sure what my future looks like. I try to take it day by day. My friends and family are supportive, but that doesn't mean I can just plan things and go. I'm not even able to take a slow walk in the park. Not sure what advice I can offer you. But know you are not alone! I suffer daily and agree Norco helps the most. I decided not to take it, but there may be a day when I have to. If you find something that works let me know and vice versa. I recently met a woman also diagnosed with gluteal tendinopathy. Her dr prescribes Norco so that she can keep her job and not go on disability. Thankfully for her she functions well on it and holds her job as a CPA. But her life is only work and then home nursing the pain. I was forced to take disability about 7 years ago when I could no longer sit or stand to perform any work duties. I even went to the mayo clinic in MN. They said surgery is so risky and not positive outcomes that they don't perform the tendon surgery unless it's to save your life (accident, dog bite, something that severs the tendon). But gluteal tendinopathy is poorly understood and under recognized. I hope you can get the Norco, or find an equivalent that helps. Hugs and prayers!

I just had an MRI which showed gluteal tendinopathy! I have an autoimmune disease that targets my spine and hips (Non-Radial Axial Spondyloarthopathy), and my muscles in that area hurt 24-7. Immune suppressants have made a huge difference in my life. It took 25 years to get a diagnosis, but all I know is that during those years nobody ever made the connection about how much better I felt on anti-inflammatories or steroids - they worked like magic when I was on them, but my symptoms returned fairly quickly once I stopped the course of treatment. Has anyone ever run blood work looking for inflammation markers?

Also, I'm not sure of your sex or age, but I remember seeing something recently about post-menopausal women and gluteal tendinopathy. There seems to be a correlation between the two due to the decrease in estrogen. I found the following (obviously not relevant for you if you're a guy!):
https://bsmfoundation.ca/menopause-a-pain-in-the-butt/
Hope you're able to find something that works.
Best, Pauline 🙂

Was also diagnosed with gluteal tendinopathy. I found regular massage and massage using Graston technique has helped immensely.

Hello pm56, I was wondering, the MRI you took, was it specifically for the hip? I have a MRI Abdomen scheduled and was wondering if that would show any issue of gluteal tendinopathy, or if you need to MRI a specific area?

thanks you in advance,
Donna

Yes, also diagnosed with Gluteal Tendinopathy which orthopedic thought for a long time was Burtitis in the hip. I have also tried acupuncture, dry needling, myofascial trigger massage, regular massage, red light therapy, grounding sheet, PT, stretch labs, etc. Agree on reading about low estrogen can debilitate the tendons. I find most of my tendons throughout my body are not like they used to be and hurt repeatedly. TMJ, shoulder blades, ankles, knees, hips and low back. MRI's show mild arthritis but doesn't seem enough to cause this much pain. It doesn't take much to aggravate any one of them and be out for days. I am not one to think about HRT because of its possible cardiovascular and cancer risks but I am almost there to try it.

Have any of your doctors ever run rheumatology panels to look for inflammation? Spondyloarthropathy is an autoimmune condition that causes inflammation and pain in the lower back and hips and pain where tendons attach to bone - commonly in the shoulders, feet, and knees. Are your symptoms worse when you wake up or after you’ve been sitting for a long time ie after a long car ride?