sarno@hogpc.UUCP (Marianne Sarno - AT&T Information Systems at Lincroft NJ) (03/31/84)
Another athletic pain of mine. I found out a couple of days ago that I have bursitis in my hip/knee. I developed it sometime this past Fall after running frequently. I went to an orthepedic/sports medicine doctor (referred to me by an athletic rehibitation clinic near by). He seemed to be pretty good, and recommended that I do some weight lifting exercises with the effected leg (right). His theory is that I developed it because my right leg is much weaker than the left one, and I need to build some muscle around the area. I never realized how much weaker my right leg was until I tried the exercises. I would like to know if anyone has ever heard of treating bursitis by weight training (very light at first-3.75 lbs...)? The reason I ask is that my mother said 2 of her neighbors recently got bursitus and their doctors (2 different orthepedic doctors) told them to not to use their effected shoulders (or whatever part they hurt). I guess I am afraid that if the weight training is NOT good, I could do permanent damage to my joints. I am thinking of getting a second opinion; evn though I still think my doctor is right. But I would like other opinions, and I have found all you people on this network so helpful with other things I have asked. Have any of you ever gotten bursitis or know of anyone with it? Thanks. Marianne Sarno (201) 576-6248
rockefeller@wagon.DEC (04/03/84)
About 15 years ago, when in my early twenties, I was diagnosed as having bursitis in both hips. I had diathermy treatments after the diagnosis, but I found that the best way to deal with the pain - and it would become excruciating at times - was to walk. The orthodox treatment, at least at that time, included using the affected joints as little as possible, but I found that not moving the joints was far more painful than using them. Even today, when I have twinges, a walk or a session on my exercise bike seems to keep the pain at bay. Of course, walking and weight training aren't the same. If you have any doubts at all, I'd urge you to get that second opinion. Linda Rockefeller DEC So. Lawrence, MA (617) 689-6058 ...decvax!decwrl!rhea!wagon!rockefeller