I went to an othro specialist today where they took another set of x-rays of my hips and got quite a different impression from the first set. I’m just going to copy it all in here:
X-rays: AP of the pelvis and lateral of both hips reveals minimal degenerative changes appropriate for age. Joint space appears to be well-maintained no major cystic changes and minimal spurring is noted.
Impression: Left greater trochanteric pain probably secondary to gluteal tendonness disease and probably secondary left greater trochanteric bursitis, doubt referred pain from the hip or from the back.
Recommendations: Try to help differentiate whether this is tendon or bursa or both I am suggesting she have an MRI scan done of the left hip and then have her return to see Dr. Michael Gerhardt to consider more aggressive treatment on treating either the bursal inflammation or the gluteal tendon disease.
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So I still don’t know the exact problem or the appropriate treatment but it feels like we’re moving in the direction of a diagnosis. Gluteal Tendinopathy is one possibility. The PT recommendation for Gluteal Tendinopathy is strengthening, not stretching. I do like the stretching exercises and I do not like the strengthening ones, but if that’s the outcome, I’ll do better.
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From the Cleavland Clinic: How is gluteal tendinopathy treated?
- Applying heat to the painful area.
- Avoiding low chairs.
- Minimizing stair climbing.
- Not crossing your legs.
- Sleeping with a pillow between your knees.
- Walking on flatter surfaces, when possible.