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Trochanteric bursitis after TKR

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Posted 6/9/2015 4:13 AM (GMT 0)
Hi all. I am new here, so I apologize in advance if I make any mistakes in formatting or forum rules.

I had right knee replacement about 10 months ago. I developed IT band syndrome soon afterwards and then developed nasty pain in my right hip. I was diagnosed with trochanteric bursitis. I have had to take 3-4 Percocet daily and ice frequently.

I am hoping there might be some kind person here who has been through this who has overcome this condition. I really need info and encouragement. I feel depressed and miserable and fear I will never beat this condition. I see so many people posting with similar situations, but it doesn't seem like too many folks have written that they have conquered it.

I've had steroid injections into my hip which haven't helped. I've done exercises given to me by my PCP. My OS recommended a lumbar facet injection due to the hip and back pain (separate issue). By the way, I had an MRI which did show severe degeneration of lumbar facet joints.

I wish I could go back into the past and stop myself from having the knee replacement surgery.
Posted 6/9/2015 8:10 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Annoda and welcome.

I've had ongoing problems with trochanteric bursitis & glute medius tendinopathy for a few years now in conjunction with other problems. Cortisone injections didn't help me a great deal either...they have for bursitis and tendon problems in my shoulder, but with my hips I've found I've had decent relief for the duration of the local anaesthetic, an intense flare when the cortisone kicks in and then little else.

Is the Percocet you're taking only because of the bursitis pain or for your other pain problems as well? If only because of the bursitis, you might be better talking to your doctor about a non steroidal or something like that. I'm not suggesting that opioids aren't appropriate in their place - but I know I use them for other reasons (I have morphine in a pump & Oxynorm for severe breakthrough) and they really don't do much for the bursitis or tendon problems, just because of the nature of the pain and the way the different drugs work.

Also wonder whether it's worth getting your physio - or even an orthotist - to do a gait assessment? A major underlying reason for me developing the bursitis - and sounds like it may be for you with your TKR too - was walking abnormally. Have no idea whether it would be beneficial in your case - but sometimes things like orthotics (professionally made, not the sort off the shelf) or changing the shape of your shoe soles slightly can make a big difference
Posted 6/9/2015 12:30 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Annoda. Welcome to the forum. I have "chronic degenerative trochanteric bursitis". Quite a mouthful to be sure! I was diagnosed in my early 30's and am now turning 55.

When I was little, I was able to be a contortionist and put both legs behind my neck..my joints were that loose!

I think pregnancy made it flare up badly. I've had cortisone injections in both hips but they didn't help.

The only thing that seems to give me relief is naproxen sodium. I do a lot of gardening and if that means I am squatting a lot for planting or weeding, I know it will flare. I take Aleve ahead of time and that seems to be helpful. Last summer, I was miserable with never ending hip pain. Had another x-ray done, nothing new. Doctor and I finally figured it out...I had been wearing flip flops (thongs) and not supporting my feet! Made the switch back to sneakers and the pain lessened by the end of one week!

The suggestion from CRPS is great! The old song about the leg bone's connected to the hip bone is so true! Could be as 'simple' a solution as better shoes!

My partner had AVN and had to have a total hip replacement 10 years ago and now it is apparent that suffering from that for so long has caused damage to her knee. I don't see why the reverse wouldn't be true as well.

Let us know how things go. I hope you find your answers and relief from your pain.
Posted 6/10/2015 12:35 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for your responses. Very much appreciated. Just hope I won't be dealing with the hip bursitis the rest of my life. I also have osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia. :-(
Posted 6/10/2015 3:19 AM (GMT 0)
Hello,

I am a new member and have not very much. The pain in my shoulders have been very bad lately. Three of the four muscles in both rotator cuffs are torn. Once again, I am considering surgery. The problem is that I do not have anyone to care for me after the surgery.

My shoulders just ache so darn much. I have been going to physical therapy, but with little relief.

I am very depressed, as I also have chronic pain in many other parts of my body as well. My hips were replaced ten years ago and they squeak and pop. I also had surgery on my big toes 20 years ago and they hurt as well.

Many times I just want to check out. I pray to God that I not wake up in the morning.

For some reason I have developed very bad pain in my teeth as well. I had root canals six and nine months ago respectively. I wear a mouth quard.

I have recently been to my dentist and internist, and they cannot determine that anything is wrong. It really scares me and can be so painful.

I have been on oxycodone in the past, but it makes me more depressed. My doctors have suggested that I just stay on the Naproxen for pain.

I do not know what to do. Many days I just stay in my apartment, as I do not have any family close, nor really good friends that I can count on for support.

I have put in a call to my former Rheumalogist, but have not heard back from him. I have thought about seeing a Neurologist and am not sure about that.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I am sorry for going on and on, but I just need some relief.

Thanks,
Tom
Posted 6/11/2015 8:04 AM (GMT 0)
Welcome to the forum and I am a post tkr and a post partial knee with broken hardware who refuses at this time to allow repair. I like you have had far more issues arise after those procedures and I am not willing to see what happens next time. I have arthritis and bursitis in both hips and issues ongoing with my knees. The walking years favoring one leg over the other, uneven gait and allowing the hip to carry the load when my knees couldn't have left me with a great deal of pain in all those joints.

I ran out of things to try, numerous pt sessions, far more injections than I was comfortable trying, braces, orthopedic shoes and the list goes on. After all the trial and error and hits and misses the combination that works best is Voltaren gel and pills, aquatherapy has been an is my life saver. My meds used for multiple other issues are at a very low dose and didn't do much for the constant ache in my hip and knee and after my Dr setting up the hydrotherapy session I saw immediate relief and have continued on my own and daily use water for pain and stiffness.

Ask your Dr if you can try hydrotherapy.

Good luck
Posted 6/11/2015 3:45 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you. I will look into hydrotherapy. I did recently join my local YMCA and they have a nice pool. Are there certain water exercises you find especially helpful?
Posted 6/11/2015 4:30 PM (GMT 0)
Annoda, I am popping on late but wanted to share with you what I had done recently for bursitis in the hip. I too have a long history of knee problems & surgeries on both knees with the left knee being the worst of the two. I also get bursitis in the left hip only as this last episode just nearly did me in. My PM dr was of no help, all he offered was oral steroids which I cannot tolerate. I went to my primary care & was given two shots IM, not in the joint. One shot was a steroid with some lidacaine in it to give me some instant relief which I needed terribly. The other injection was Toradol which is a strong anti-inflam.. My prior PM dr always just gave me a shot of a steroid & it would calm things down. This time I let things get out of hand & I paid the price for doing so.This may be something for you to consider. Also, if you are not familiar with Toradol, check it out at Drugs.com..

Take care..Susie
Posted 6/11/2015 6:19 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Susie! I'm at my wit's end.
Posted 6/11/2015 7:25 PM (GMT 0)
I understand what you are saying a few weeks ago I was there too. I had been ignoring it since January & just reached my limit. I fell on ice a yr & half ago & landed on the left hip. Because I was able to get up I assumed it was ok, well it wasn't. I did something to the hip but because of me stupidly thinking it was ok.

I sure hope you can get some relief & soon.
Posted 6/12/2015 8:34 AM (GMT 0)
Check to see if the Y has a water aerobics class and low impact is better if they have only a regular class get with the instructor and ask for tips for low impact exercise and you can always talk to a physical therapist if you have one but I have found just being in a pool preferably heated and doing nothing more than walking around the pool weightless is helpful.
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