Pain in the backside (Ischial Bursitis)

gimondi

I wonder if anybody out there has suffered this condition? It started 18 months ago with a severe pain in the buttock on my left side. My physio diagnosed a bursa(a swelling), in the joint between sit bone and femur. The doctor put me on a course of ibuprofen which reduced the swelling and also arranged for a cortisone injection which I had in Feb 2015. Since then despite taking time off the bike and the pain reducing, I can no longer get comfortable over a ride of more than 40 miles. I have had a bike fit and changed my position to try and take the weight off the sit bones. I have just tested a number of different saddles but have yet to find the 'holy grail' of saddles. I am now getting to the point of despair as I do not wish to give up the bike completely ( I currently try and ride twice a week about total of 75miles), but would like to get back to riding 5 times a week as previously. If anybody has any useful advice or has been in the same scenario I would appreciate the feedback.

Moontrane

I had physical therapy involving stretching, ultrasound, and ice. I continue the stretches and find it keeps things under control, and a few times a year I'll apply (sit on) an ice pack. I don't think mine will ever fully go away, but it no longer keeps me off the bike.

Triggers are too-wide saddles or sitting for long periods on hard surfaces. I've tried over 20 different saddles to alleviate this. When my sit bones are supported it triggers the bursitis; a narrow saddle spares the sit bones but bashes the tender bits.

Do you sit for long periods?

gimondi

Hi Moontrane, glad to hear I am not the only one who suffers! I have also come to the conclusion that a narrow saddle is better. I am currently using an old charge spoon off my mountain bike which seems to be the best compromise for comfort, (although not perfect!). Have not tried an ice pack yet but will give it a go. I do sit for long periods working on the computer and also find long drives can aggravate things!

Moontrane

I occasionally use a large exercise ball at my desk instead of a chair. I also have a chair with an adjustable seat pan angle. I have mine angled forward - the front is lower than the back.

kingrollo

There are number of conditions 'down there' - I had all sorts - my turned out to tendonathapy at the insertion point of hamstring\pelvis - the symptoms replicate busitis though (except it doesn't get better !) it kept me of the bike for 3 years, what eventually helped was:-

One legged Romanian dead lifts - with quite heavy weights - I still do these

A brooks saddle - this sounds mad, but actually the leather 'gives' in time this reduces the pressure where it hurts most

Chamois cream - even on shorter rides - again goes against all advice that you only need it on longer rides - its only £8 a tub - I find it really helps

Yoga and general core work ....

Good luck - pm me if you want any more info

Or if you want to buy a recumbent bike - yes i even tried that !