Richard Haynes PTA/CPT - 3/20/2009

Question
Had right hip replacement in 1996 ---3 dislocations---right hip socket replacement in 1999. 3 more dislocations after that. None since 2001. Now have ACUTE hip bursitis that prevents me from sitting more than 10 minutes at a time ! Am medicated with 2.8 oxycodone tablets a day. Do you think that is adequate? Do you think my bursitis could be a consequence of so many dislocations? In any event , what would you suggest as treatment for this type of bursitis; painful but no apparent bursting of the bursae.
Thanks in advance,
James K.
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Answer
Hi James, Thanks for the question.

Has the surgeon mentioned or tried a cortisone shot? Most have at this point and you may be well beyond those at this time.

I suspect your bursitis is being caused by your gait or walking pattern and/or muscular weakness in the general area causing stress on the bursae sac or  pressure.
You may also have a tight IT band, Its a band of fibrous tissue that runs down the outside of the leg. If it is tight it places pressure on that bursa sac causing inflammation. It may need to be stretch to relieve it.

The pain medication in time will become less effective as your body builds a tolerance for the medication.

If you cannot get the surgeon to prescribe some PT sessions on an out patient basis I would try some heat on the area followed immediately by ice for twenty minutes. Heat/Ice twenty minutes each twice a day.

Iam hesitant to give you some IT band stretches due to your dislocation history at this time.

If the heat/Ice trick does not work after a week to 10 days get in contact with the surgeon or another surgeon if you want a different opinion and see what they will prescribe.

Cortisone or some PT to apply different modalities to the area along with stretching and strengthening may be in order here.

Good Luck
Richard Haynes
Punta Gorda, Florida. 33950
www.richardhaynes.com
www.totaljointfitness.com