Ischiogluteal Bursitis

There are different forms of bursitis that afflict the bursae present in the joints of hands, shoulders, knee and foot. Ischiogluteal Bursitis is the type of bursitis which develops in the buttocks, due to the bursa in the pelvic region. Read and find out all about the disorder, its risk factors, diagnosis, treatment and more.

Ischiogluteal Bursitis Definition

It is a painful syndrome manifested by the inflammation of the bursa situated between Ischial tuberosity (pelvic bone) and hamstring tendon. The bursae are prone to inflammation due to irritation caused by several factors, which leads to extreme sensation of pain in the buttocks. In this condition, patients experience pain in the lower parts of the buttock, which aggravates with strenuous activities.

This syndrome is also known as Weaver’s Bottom.

Ischiogluteal Bursitis ICD 9 Code

The ICD 9 code of this condition is 726.5.

Ischiogluteal Bursitis Location

The condition afflicts the section at the bottom of the pelvis between hamstring muscle and Ischial tuberosity.

Ischiogluteal Bursitis Causes

As the tendons glide over the ischial tubersity, the bursa allows support to the tendon over the bone. The Ischiogluteal bursa can, however, be inflamed due to a series of factors.

Picture 1 - Ischiogluteal Bursitis

• Primary cause of the inflammation of this sac is overstraining, which makes it release more fluid and become swollen.
• Physical trauma like fall can also be held responsible for causing it. It might cause the blood vessels to expand and release extracellular fluid to the bursa region. The bursa can then react to this foreign matter leading to swelling.
• Certain acute or chronic traumatic injuries can lead to it. Repetitive motion resulting out of playing baseball or similar activities can lead to the injury.  Chronic injuries occur when there is overstraining of the bursa, as indicated earlier. Running and jumping might also lead to its straining.
• Deposition of crystals in the joints, as a result of elevated uric acid level, might lead to this syndrome. People afflicted with gout and arthritis are at risk of contacting Bursitis.
• Ischiogluteal bursa may also get strained if you sit on a hard surface for a very long time without movement. There are professionals who have to remain seated for long which increases their susceptibility to this condition.

Ischiogluteal Bursitis Symptoms

Know about some of the initial symptoms of this syndrome:

• Pain in the buttocks is a primary sign, especially when it is at the base of the pelvic region.
• Tenderness and swelling in the region, along with little warmth.
• Worsening of the symptoms, which include pain and problems while walking, after a period of rest.
• Worsening of pain with time, and on performing any physical activity.
• Painful sensations on touching the affected region.
• Dull pain, which can be felt when the patient is walking on an elevated surface or climbing stairs.
• Weakness in the legs, while speeding up during running.
• Sensation of pain on pressing the region.

Ischiogluteal Bursitis Diagnosis

Physical examination by a physician or physiotherapist can determine the syndrome. Tender areas of the buttock can be investigated and the medical history of patients can be studied to pinpoint Ischiogluteal bursitis. Apart from this, investigation can be furthered by performing MRI scans, X-ray and CT scans of the affected region. Symptoms of this disorder can be confused with those of Hamstring tendonitis, which makes correct diagnosis challenging. The diagnosis of the disorder through these tests might also become difficult when the bursa ruptures. Blood tests may also be performed to determine the risk of an infection in patients.

Ischiogluteal Bursitis Treatment

Treatment of this condition comprises of medical as well as home remedies. Know about some of the curative options for this disease:

• The inflammation can generally be addressed by taking adequate rest and applying ice packs on the affected region.
• Taking medications prescribed by doctors, such as NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) which are often suggested to be taken to decrease the pain and swelling.
• In case there is an infection, antibiotics are usually prescribed. This is thought to be effective but if that does not work at all, invasive methods can be adopted.
• Invasive methods of treatment comprise of corticosteroid injection and drainage of the bursa. This is known to relieve the ache and inflammation.
• Soft tissue massages can also be done if a physiotherapist feels it is required.

Ischiogluteal Bursitis and Exercises

When you have successfully managed to check the pain and swelling, you can perform certain exercises which will benefit you in the long run. Stretching exercises of the gluteal muscles and the hamstring can help in increasing flow of blood which eventually soothes the nerves in the region. The steps to performing this workout are as follows:

Picture 2 - Ischiogluteal Bursitis Image

• Put your foot on a chair or step.
• Straighten your back and knee.
• Bend in front, until you feel the back of your thigh being stretched.
• Remain in that position for only a few seconds and get back to normal position.

Correct exercises advised by experts should be exclusively followed. You can manage the pain by adopting appropriate means of resting or sleeping. Keep a pillow below your knees when you are lying down. This helps in easing the pain in your buttocks.

Ischiogluteal Bursitis Risk Factors

According to studies, inflammation of this bursa is more common in people working with heavy machines, tractor drivers, runners and athletes. Those who have to perform a lot of horse riding and canoeing are usually at higher risk. Incidence of this syndrome has been found to be higher in athletes.

Ischiogluteal Bursitis Prognosis

In a few weeks, patients can notice considerable positive outcome with the help of physiotherapy treatments. Rehabilitation of such patients can take longer time only in rare cases. The prognosis seems to be favorable if it is diagnosed early and treated with proper understanding.

References:

http://www.healthinset.com/ischial-bursitis-symptoms-causes-pain-exercises-and-treatment.html

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2698173/

http://www.physioadvisor.com.au/9660750/ischiogluteal-bursitis-ischial-bursitis-physio.htm

http://www.preferredpaincenter.com/blog/how-to-ischiogluteal-bursitis-treatment-exercises/