Bursitis and hip pain

I had an orthopedic doctor tell me it was bursitis of the hip, but after 3 injections, he corrected his diagnosis and said I had gluteal tendinopathy. This effects the hips also. Now, in researching, many women have terrible hip pains from tendons being destroyed by estrogen deficiency. If you are not in menopause, it could be bursitis or tendinopathy. Injections helped me and my hip pain dissipated. I did have to change my mattress to a Sleep Number bed and now my hip pain is almost none. I do have IT band issues from the hips down each leg. Try sleeping with a pillow between the legs, looks at hardness of mattress and check out bursitis versus tendinopathy.

I had a right total hip replacement seven years ago. The pain before the surgery was actually in my right pelvic area. I had no idea that was where my hip is. Then I got bursitis in that hip and then the other hip and the pain is in what you think of as your hip which is on the sides. I walk for exercise and if I don't get my cortisone injections about every six months I really feel it.

I had both Bursitis and also Total Hip Replacement.... the difference is.... Bursitis is the pain in the outer thigh which i have an injection each year before going on holidays so i can walk longer... but it think for the first year i had it twice and it calmed it down for sure. I wouldn't be without this now. The hip pain comes on the groin area weird i know but the only way i can describe it is..... when i was walking it was like it would catch... stop me in my tracks and the pain was so great i could have vomited there and then. Take care i hope this helps

Hello,
Pain from Bursitis is not confined to the hip only, I have suffered from Bursitis in both hips for over a year now and have pain in my hips, hamstrings, thighs and groin area.
I have had numerous cortisone injections and have been recently been told as the injections have not helped there is nothing more that they can do for me.
I’m currently looking at other alternatives.

Interesting.... I was treated for bursitis for two years. Experienced no relief. An MRI confirmed a full-thickness gluteus (gl) medius tear. The only surgical option available to me is a gl maximus transfer. Few orthopedic surgeons in few locations perform this surgery. But for starters, if you have not had an MRI, please do to rule out a tear. Like you I was told there is nothing more we can do for you--"walk with support (cane/walker) for the rest of your life, no one orthopedic surgeon ever mentioned a gl transfer. I've searched the literature, published studies, etc., and there is much available on line regarding information for gl tears and available repair. Read Dr. Whiteside's studies.
Try for an appointment with a spine specialist, not a orthopedic surgeon who will give you many reasons for an MRI not necessary. There is not one orthopedic surgeon in my community (Maryland, Virginia, DC) who could offer the name of a surgeon who is skilled/experienced and offers this surgical option a gl transfer. I am currently working with Dr. R Burnett, Rush Orthopedics, Chicago who does perform gl transfers. I understand your pain, frustration, and agonize with you and your every step, step up, twist and turn that diminishes everyday living not to mention interruptions to trying to sleep. It's hard not to be depressed, wear a smile, and walk around the block without fear of lose of balance. I wish you well.

My sympathies are with you. I have also had bursitis in several places all at once. It can be miserable. I found a physiatrist who cured my bursitis with sonar shockwave treatments. It stimulates circulation and promotes a healing response to tone down all that inflammation. It does take several treatments, and improvement is gradual, starting slowly and then accelerating for several months during and after the treatments. Insurance usually doesn't cover it, but it's a helpful option when you really need relief. I was still trying to get past knee replacement surgery, and shockwave made it possible to put that behind me and to be able to get out and walk every day. Hope this suggestion is helpful to you.

@trev09
Hi I am new to connect. I wanted to share that I have had bursitis for years and annually received cortisone shots which were effective. When they treated it by using the ultrasound to see directly where to enter the shot is was most effective and I was actually good for a few years. Then it started up again last year and it didn’t work. So they did an MRI on my hips and I have chronic tendinosos in bursar and gluteus Maximus and minimus and slight labral tear in groin. It was SO painful I struggled walking it felt like my hamstrings were ripping if my stride was too long. I recently did the Plasma Rich Platlet PRP injections. I had to pay out of pocket but I heard it’s successful. I’m still going through the varies phases in the healing process. But my doctor did mention if the glutes were torn the next step is surgical so it does seem to be a thing (to the other person who responded to your comments if reading this). In addition I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia and I am still trying to process that. I strongly suggest MRI and The PRP as next steps.

@ennaoj44 thank you for your reply, it is definitely something worth looking into. I will ask my consultant about an MRI scan at my next appointment.
I will also do some research into GL tears.

@srodw thank you for your reply, my last injection was ultrasound guided but I only had pain relief for 3 months. It will be worth mentioning to my consultant about an MRI scan and ask about GL tears.
My main problem is I have bursitis in both hips and can only get cortisone injections into one hip at a time.

@genie15 thanks for your reply, I’m hoping to get a referral to a pain clinic and this is something I will mention.