Ischiogluteal Bursitis

What is Ischiogluteal Bursitis?

Ischiogluteal bursitis is inflammation of the bursa that lies between the ischial tuberosity and the tendon of a hamstring muscle. The bursa is there to reduce friction between the tendon and the bone. The bursa may be inflamed on its own or in conjunction with hamstring tendinitis or inflammation of tendon which has the same symptoms.

What are the symptoms of Ischiogluteal Bursitis

• The symptoms of ischiogluteal bursitis are identical to hamstring tendon inflammation and include the following:
• Pain and tenderness at the ischial tuberosity.
• Pain when stretching the hamstring.
• Pain when flexing the knee against resistance.
• A gradually onset of pain following a sprinting session.
• Pain which may be aggravated by sitting.

What can the athlete do?

• Rest.
• Apply ice or cold therapy to reduce pain and inflammation.
• See a doctor or physiotherapist if symptoms persist.
• Carry out hamstring strengthening and rehabilitation as pain may have caused weakness through muscle inhibition.

What can a doctor or physiotherapist do?

• Differentiate between hamstring tendinitis and ischiogluteal bursitis. This may involve analyising the effectiveness of treatment such as deep tissue massage. Bursitis will not respond to massage and may become worse following treatment.
• Inject a cortico-sterioid and local anesthetic into a fluid filled bursa.
• Advise on hamstring strengthening.