Q I spent a few days, seven months ago, sitting on a hard chair. Since then, I have been dealing with pain upon sitting down. I was diagnosed with ischial tuberosity pain (weaver's bottom). Would you please discuss what can be done for this condition and how long it might last?
A A bursa is a sac that contains a small amount of fluid. It allows muscles, tendons and other soft tissues to move over bony prominences without damage or getting stuck. These can be injured with repeated trauma. Many of the bursae in the body can become filled with fluid and inflamed -- bursitis.
The ischial bursae are located just underneath the hip bones, in between the bone and the muscles right where we sit down. Sitting on a hard chair is a classic way of getting a bursitis. In ischial tuberosity pain, the ischial bursae fills up with fluid, and this causes pain with some movements and when sitting down.
Bursitis usually is treated with an anti-inflammatory medicine, such as ibuprofen. In my experience, these usually work, but some people may need to try more than one before finding the one that works for them. However, others do not get better with medication, and for those people, a trial of an injection into the area could be considered. This procedure should be done only by an expert, such as a rheumatologist.
A thick foam rubber cushion with two holes cut out at the points of tenderness may be of benefit. Stretching and a knees-to-chest movement can be helpful.
Q The past few times I've seen my doctor, a nurse has taken my blood pressure and said it's "a little high." The doctor never mentioned it. If my doctor isn't concerned, should I be?
A I, too, would assume that your blood pressure doesn't call for treatment if the doctor says nothing. I don't understand why your blood pressure is a state secret. Come right out and ask what it is. Blood pressure usually isn't treated with medicine until it reaches 130/90.
Write to Dr. Donohue and Dr. Roach at P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475 or email ToYourGoodHealth@med.cornell.edu with medical questions.