About this topic
A bursa is a small, fluid-filled sac. It acts as a cushion between your bone and tendon. A tendon is a thick band that attaches your muscle to the bone. Bursae help the tendons glide and let your joints move easier. There are bursae at the bottom of your buttocks. These are called the ischiogluteal bursae. They cushion the bottom of the pelvic bone and the muscles in the bottom buttock area. These bursae can get swollen and hurt. This is called ischiogluteal bursitis. ‚
What are the causes?
- Sitting for long stretches of time on a hard surface like a wooden chair or bicycle seat
- Repeat movements such as running, jumping, and kicking
- A direct blow to the bottom of the buttocks
- Falling and landing on the buttocks
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Gout
- Infection
What are the main signs?
- Soreness over the bottom of the pelvic bone
- Pain at the bottom of the pelvis. This is noticed most when sitting and walking. The pain may also go down the back of the leg.
- Swelling
- Stiffness
- Achiness
- Warmth
- Redness
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Your doctor will feel around the painful area at the bottom of your buttocks to find where the problem is. Your doctor may order: ‚
- Blood tests
- X-ray
- MRI scan
- Fluid removal to look for infection
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
- Rest
- Ice
- Padding the painful part to keep pressure off the bursa
- Exercises
- Physical therapy (PT)
- Removing fluid from the bursa
- Surgery is not often needed
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
- Fight an infection
The doctor may give you a shot of an anti-inflammatory drug called a corticosteroid. This will help with swelling. Talk with your doctor about the risks of this shot. ‚
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- If your bursitis is due to overuse, try not to do movements that caused the problem.
- Take breaks often when doing things that use repeat movements.
- Use cushions on hard surfaces when sitting.
- If you have a job where you sit all day long, take breaks often by getting up and walking, if possible.
- Keep a healthy weight so there is not extra stress on your joints.
- Stay active and work out to keep your muscles strong and flexible.
Where can I learn more?
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bursitis/pages/introduction.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚