Arthritis or bursitis or both?

nanarose

I have psoriatic arthritis.
After suffering for over a year with bad pain radiating from both my hip and my back I was eventually referred to the physiotherapist without actually getting a definite diagnosis. I have seen both my GP and my Rheumatologist; Doc said it was likely I had sciatica, whereas rheummy said it was likely to be 'mechanical'? :roll:

I didn't have any tests done at all, except for a bit of prodding and poking.
I have arthritis already in my toes, hands, and knee, and some swelling which has never completely went away, regardless of the mtx and other pills I pop!

Physio says that I have inflammation on the bursa in my hip, and that my back pain is due to bad posture, and the weakening of ligaments and muscles in my back.
She also gave me some acupuncture, which I wasn't expecting - she says it might or might not help, and loads of exercises to strengthen my muscles, which I will do, if I can.

My question is...are physiotherapists able to diagnose a condition better than a Doctor? Should I expect to have an x-ray done or an MRI scan, or accept the diagnosis of the physio?
She is very good, and helped me immensely, when my knee was so swollen and stiff I could barely walk.

Thanks for listening.

stickywicket

A good physio is very good and nowadays they often specialise so, if yours is well-up on musculo-skeletal stuff she may well know better than your GP, especially if he didn’t examine you. Also, what the physio is saying ties in with what the rheumatologist said. And she did well by you before.

So, if it were me, I’d go along with the physio, do the strengthening exercises and see how it pans out. Strengthening the muscles can make a huge difference to pain and gait. If, after several sessions, and doing the prescribed exercises, you feel no better, then you could re-think.

P.S. It's lovely to see you again, nanarose

scattered

Bursitis is really common with inflammatory arthritic conditions. The treatment is usually pain meds, physio and sometimes steroid injections into the affect bursa.

I'm with Sticky: the physio's dx fits with what the rheumatologist said. Having had hip bursitis and experienced some of the worst pain I've ever had, I can't say that my GP or subsequent physio treated it any differently than you are describing.

I hope the physio helps, you have been struggling for a long time and I well remember how miserable bursitis can be!

suzygirl

My bursitis was diagnosed by the rheumy by his pressing on a certain spot that told him the pain was from the bursa and not the joint. He gave me a steroid jab, which from reading on here it appears I was fortunate as this does not always happen.

In my experience, a good physio is brilliant. They know their stuff and give excellent advice. They understand just how the body works and the effect of having bits that don't 'work' properly has on our bodies.

I would give the treatment a go and if it doesn't work, then see the rheumy for advice.

dreamdaisy

I don't know nanarose but I concur with the others. One of my physios after my synovectomy was a gem, she seemed to have a more 'practical' knowledge of such things than the docs - and yes, it IS lovely to hear from you again. Take care, please. DD

nanarose

Aww, thanks for all the supportive posts. :oops:

I knew I would get some really good advice on here, so now I'm quite happy to go ahead with what the physio has offered me.

Yes, this bursitis is darned painful. I've had it in the shoulder before, but the hip is worse. I can't seem to stand for any length of time, and walking for more than 15 minutes or so is impossible. It's one step forward, and two steps back with this ruddy PSA, as I was trying to lose a bit of weight and get fitter!
I guess the exercise bike can double up as a new hanger for my clothes for a while longer, but I'm determined to stick it out with the exercises from the physio! I can feel the pain already....

Thanks to you all for your comments, again. x

stickywicket

I do hope the physio helps, nanarose. I always find the more I can work with the physio the better the result. So, if an exercise hurts, it's important to say so and find out just how far to push oneself. I've been through a lot of physios in my time and only ever had one bad one. Please let's know how you get on.

nanarose

Thanks, I will report back whatever happens.
I'm curious to see if the acupuncture works, as I'm a bit of a sceptic, and my physio did insist that I be careful and sensible, so I'm not going to argue with her!

I do pop in here to read the posts on a regular basis, but I don't post very often I'm afraid. You are all so supportive of each other, and I do like the positivity that most of you have, even when you have been dealt a very bad hand indeed.

My troubles are small in comparison, but it's nice to know where to go when things get a bit more difficult. x

dreamdaisy

Ummm, no-one's troubles are small nanarose, whatever has been 'gifted' upon one can be (every now and again) too much to bear. I guess we all started with one affected joint and that was an outrage whenever and wherever it occurred. Take care and please keep in touch. DD

barbara12

Hi nanarose
I had injections for bursitis, and I have had xrays and mris for my my back and hips,
I would go with what your physio is doing, but also ask for some MRIs especially of your back.
Just one more thing I was offered acupuncture by the pain clinic, and I refused , I really wish I had given it a go, there are quite a few on here that have had good results with it.
I do wish you well with everything x