Ischial Bursitis - An Overview

Introduction

Ischial bursitis occurs when the sac that contains fluids present in the pelvic region becomes painful and swollen. This condition can make it difficult for the person to walk, run, and sit. The main cause of this condition is long hours of sitting on a rough or hard surface. There is a treatment that helps to reduce inflammation and corrects the symptoms.

What Is Meant by Ischial Bursitis?

Ischial bursitis is also known as ischio-gluteal bursitis or weaver's bottom. This condition causes pain when the fluid-filled sacs in the pelvic region become painful and swollen. This condition usually occurs in people who sit on a hard surface for a long time. This condition makes it difficult for the person to walk, run, sit, etc. In many cases of ischial bursitis, ceasing the activity that causes this condition can help to improve the symptoms.

Ischial bursitis is the inflammation of the bursa, the fluid-filled sacs. These are situated between the muscles and the bones in various body regions. The primary function of these bursae is to provide cushioning effects to the space between the muscles, bones, joints, and tendons. The ischium is the lower region of the hip bone, which bears all the weight when the person sits. Ischial bursitis occurs when the bursa, which provides cushioning to the hip bone, gets inflamed and becomes painful.

Who Is at Risk of Developing Ischial Bursitis?

This is not a common condition, it is a scarce condition that can affect people of any age. Ischial bursitis does not require any special treatment; in most cases, it gets resolved independently. This condition also occurs due to repetitive activities or motions. Those people who are more prone to be affected by ischial bursitis are

• People who use bicycles very frequently.

• Athletes or runners.

• People who exercise regularly or improperly.

• People who sit on a hard surface or floor for long hours.

• People who jump or kick continuously.

One of the best methods to treat ischial bursitis is to avoid the activity that causes the condition. By doing this, the inflammation caused can be reduced. There should be some alteration in the person's routine activities to heal the condition.

What Are the Causative Factors of Ischial Bursitis?

Some common causes of this condition are

• Long sitting on a hard surface or floor.

• Trauma.

• Some conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, can cause inflammation.

• Infection.

• Deposition of crystals.

• Regular cycling.

What Are the Symptoms Associated With Ischial Bursitis?

The common symptoms are

• Pain and tenderness in the upper thigh region and lower buttock.

• Swelling in the affected area, usually the hip and lower buttock region.

• Pain while stretching the hip.

• Loss of ability to extend the hip.

• The pain aggravates when the person sits down.

• The pain caused is a radiating pain that radiates from the buttock down the leg.

• The pain also worsens during walking, running, and sitting.

• The person will not be able to sleep on the affected hips.

• Limitation of range of motion.

How Is the Ischial Bursitis Condition Diagnosed?

Ischial bursitis is diagnosed with the help of some diagnostic tests, such as

• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), where magnetic and radio waves produce images of the structures within the body.

• X-ray uses electromagnetic radiation to produce images of the tissues and structures of the body.

The doctor may examine to confirm the condition. The examination shows:

• Straight leg raise will be present with pain.

• Resisted extension of the hip will result in pain.

• Plain radiographs will reveal calcification of the bursa.

• Presence of soft tissue mass on the gluteal area of the affected side.

How Is Ischial Bursitis Managed?

Many conservative treatment methods can help to manage this condition. Some are

Physical Therapy:

• Rest: Rest is the initial stage of treatment, where the person can perform day-to-day activities but at a low intensity within the pain threshold. Avoid activities known to be a causative factor of the condition.

• Cold Therapy: Apply ice packs over the affected area for about 20 to 30 minutes.

• Ultrasound Therapy: This method uses lasers and electrical stimulations, enhancing the healing process.

• Heat Treatment: This is performed twice a day for about 30 minutes. This enhances blood flow and helps in the healing process.

• Frictional Massage: This can be given to people with chronic ischial bursitis.

• Exercises: Stretching exercises that reduce the tension on the bursa should be performed. Strengthening exercises and painless motion can be performed to manage the muscle imbalance.

• Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be used, which can help to manage the pain and inflammation caused. If the medications do no good to the symptoms, then the doctors may recommend corticosteroid injection, which is applied directly to the inflamed bursa. Antibiotics may be preferred when the doctor suspects of infection in the affected area.

How Can Ischial Bursitis Be Prevented?

This condition can reoccur, and proper care should be taken to prevent it. Some preventive measures are

• While taking any object, bend the knees, as when the person stands straight, a lot of pressure is exerted over the hip.

• The person should use a cushioning seat or pad which makes them comfortable by evenly distributing the pressure.

• The person should only perform a single activity for a short time. Proper intervals of break should be taken to allow the body to rest.

• Warm up before performing any physical activity or exercise as it enhances the blood flow and helps to prevent injuries.

When to Visit a Doctor?

Some painful conditions in the buttock will subside independently and do not require any medical treatment. If the person experiences continuous pain over the buttock, lower back, or leg region for a long time, they should consult a doctor. This pain will be caused due to some underlying condition that needs to be treated. The doctor helps to diagnose the condition based on the symptoms and other tests, after which proper treatment methods are suggested.

Conclusion

Ischial bursitis is a condition that causes pain due to inflammation of the fluid-filled sac present in the pelvic region. This condition is usually caused due to prolonged sitting on a hard surface. This condition can be resolved by avoiding the activity that triggers pain; in most cases, medical treatment is not required.