I am getting this checked on Thursday, but if any of you have this, what does arthritis or bursitis of the hip feel like? Does the pain ever wake you up at night? tia

By Ginny~moderator on Tuesday, December 2, 2008 - 04:52 pm:

I have bursitis in my left hip and yes, it wakes me up at night sometimes. My orthopedic doc showed me some exercises to stretch the ligament rubbing over the bursa (I think that's what's happening), and that helps. Aspirin also helps (aspirin or any other anti-inflammatory - but be sure to take them WITH food). My doc also told me to get a softer bed or a soft cushion to put on top of the mattress and that helps.

My mom had awful problems with bursitis and wound up getting steroid shots a few times, but I am trying to avoid that. I remember that when she got the shots, she had 24 hours of really, really serious pain - much worse than the bursitis. But then the pain would be gone and she'd be pretty much pain free for 9 - 15 months. But I haven't reached that point yet.

They are two distinct conditions, and x-rays will pretty much show what you have. I had x-rays of my hips last time I went to the ortho doc, and he says (flatterer) that I have the hips of a 40 year old. Which is reassuring, as several years ago I was diagnosed as being at risk for osteoperosis.

By Colette on Tuesday, December 2, 2008 - 05:00 pm:

Thanks Ginny. This has gotten progressively worse in the last two weeks - I kept thinking I overdid it exercising or something. Advil and tylenol - even at Rx strength are not helping and I am very tempted to pull out the pain killers they gave me when I had my brain surgery. Trying hard to hold off until Thursday though.

By Ginny~moderator on Tuesday, December 2, 2008 - 05:04 pm:

Hold off if you can. Heat is very helpful usually with either arthritis or bursitis - try a long hot shower with some Advil.

By Ginny~moderator on Tuesday, December 2, 2008 - 05:05 pm:

I will add that the bursitis pain comes and goes, depending on how active I am, how much time I spend driving (my driver's seat is not particularly comfortable), and sometimes the weather.

By Debbie on Tuesday, December 2, 2008 - 08:54 pm:

I have arthritis in my lower back. Yes, it does wake me up at night. I feel it more when the weather is changing or it is really damp outside. It is a nagging sort of pain, more like an awful ache.

By Kaye on Tuesday, December 2, 2008 - 08:57 pm:

I think the difference is swelling. Arthritis swells outside and bursitis swells more inside. Arthritis also tends to be more red and hot.

My grandmother had both. Topical meds really helped the arth. But she had bursitis in her hip so bad nothing really helped. Seh actually ended up cancer in the hip bone and couldn't tell a difference in pain between the two. We never did convice her that it wasn't her bursitis.

By Marcia on Tuesday, December 2, 2008 - 09:58 pm:

I find that heat wraps really help with the arthritis in my lower spine. That and ibuprofen.
If I don't take any before bed, I do wake up a stiff mess.

I have slept in waterbeds since I was in my late teens. Last year, at 43, I decided it was time to give it up for a firmer bed, because I was finding it hard to get up in the morning. We bought a bed with some memory foam in it. I know how important it is to have memory foam in Chrissy's wheelchair, so figured it would be good for my back, too. Wrong! We had to exchange the mattress for a very soft one, and it's much better.
My mom has arthritis in her hips, and was having lots of problems at night. She just got rid of her memory foam, and I think she's noticed a difference, too.

By Colette on Wednesday, December 3, 2008 - 07:37 am:

thanks! Can't wait to see the dr tomorrow.