hip bursitis

[Guest]

Developed hip bursitis from side sleeping, particularly on left, using BiPap. I used to sleep more on my back but stopped that due to the apnea worsening. Now choices are left side or right side - with pressure on hips. I use a pillow between my knees to help keep aligned. Any suggestions from others that developed this?

[Marietjie]

with pressure on hips

I'm so sorry to read about your hip problem.
The knee pillow is excellent.
You can also try a sheet of egg box foam.
You put this foam on top of your mattress
and this will prevent pressure on your body.
Make sure that you buy good quality.

[sleeplessinaz]

Hello--be sure you have this hip pain checked out --They told me it was Bursitis in the left hip. I even had painful cortisone shots in that hip and that was only a temporary fix. I had it for 10 years before I went to Physiotherapy and there I discovered with this condition is really called----it is Piriformis Syndrome. Goggle it and you will see how to treat it. You need to have excerzises with Emphasis on stretching and strengthening the hip rotator muscles as well as DEEP tissue massages.

It is thought that the piriformis muscle tendon may be tethering the sciatic nerve, and causing an irritation to the nerve. While it has not be proven, the theory supported by some physicians is that when the piriformis muscle and its tendon are too tight, the sciatic nerve is choked. This may decrease the blood flow to the nerve and irritate the nerve because of pressure. It is caused by sitting or laying on them for so long. I sit all day at my desk at work so this really aggravates my condition. It is awful pain so I know what you are going through.
Carrie

[Froro]

I have bursitis on my left hip as well. It gets really bad from sitting down on certain chairs or sofas and totally locks up. That first step is a killer but then with movement it eases up.

I started doing yoga a few months back after I was feeling better after cpap. I can tell you yoga has been wonderful for my hip pain!!

[DoriC]

Carrie, thanks for mentioning Piriformis. My husband went through periods of severe pain in the right hip which the Drs thought was because of Rt Hip Replacement which then caused residual shrapnel to be disturbed. Everything they tried was temporary until one Orthopedist dx Piriformis exactly as you described. He did have 2 cortisone shots initially but it was the extensive physical therapy/stretching exercises which really helped. Now as soon as he feels the pain, he immediately starts his exercises and a few Tylenols. He also sleeps on a high quality egg crate mattress pad which probably needs to be replaced after 2yrs(as per Dr.)

[Guest]

Thanks for all your replies. I did get a cortisone shot which helped dramatically for about 1 week - now pain is back. I have started physical therapy, which should address your suggestions re stretching, etc. I also bought a new bed - the old one was about 15 years old and was a rock (even with a egg crate type cover)compared to the new bed, which is an ultra-plush with memory foam, latex etc. Last night I slept much better on the new bed - both from a hip and cpap viewpoint. Will keep the board posted as I find solutions in case anybody else gets this problem.