severe pain in the cleft between the buttocks, swelling, worsening with sitting/straining, and occasional mucus-like discharge—suggest that this is more likely a local soft tissue or skin-related condition rather than just a nerve issue from the fall. One important possibility is Pilonidal Sinus, which commonly occurs in that exact location and can become very painful, especially when sitting or bending. Another possibility is a Perianal Abscess, which can also cause intense pain and sometimes discharge, even if initially not obvious externally. While a fall may have triggered inflammation or irritation in the area, the persistent severe pain (up to 10/10), swelling, and discharge strongly suggest that there could now be an underlying infection or cyst formation rather than just a simple injury or nerve inflammation.
The medications she was given (like prednisone and amitriptyline) can help with inflammation and nerve-related pain, but they do not treat infections or abscesses, and steroids like prednisone can sometimes mask or worsen infections. Because her pain is severe and ongoing for more than 2 months, she should be re-evaluated urgently by a general surgeon. A proper physical examination—and if needed, ultrasound or MRI—can confirm whether there is a sinus, abscess, or other structural issue. If an abscess or pilonidal disease is present, treatment may require antibiotics or a minor surgical procedure (drainage) for relief.
Your mother’s symptoms most strongly suggest either Coccydynia (tailbone injury after fall) or a Pilonidal Abscess, especially because of severe pain while sitting, localized swelling, and mucus-like discharge.
While a nerve-related cause is possible, the presence of swelling and discharge makes infection or a localized abscess more likely, which may require specific treatment rather than just pain control.
I strongly recommend prompt evaluation by a General Surgeon (or colorectal specialist) for examination and possible imaging, as delayed treatment can worsen pain and may require minor surgical drainage if an abscess is present.
Hello dear See i think it is trauma induced injury. It seems very minor but could be detrimental in future. I suggest you to please get following tests done and share result with orthopedician for better clarity For safety and improvement please donot take any medication without consulting the concerned physician Hopefully you recover soon CBC Esr CRP X ray pelvis Pelvic USG Ct scan Mri if recommended by orthopedician Merely medication will not provide permanent relief Regards Regards
Hello
Severe tailbone (coccyx) or sacrococcygeal injury after a fall is a possible cause of this type of pain. Conditions such as Coccydynia, ligament strain, or inflammation of tissues around the coccyx can cause intense pain when sitting, bending, or straining, and relief when lying down.
Another possibility is a soft-tissue injury or inflammation near the gluteal cleft, and less commonly a Pilonidal cyst, which can cause swelling and occasional mucus-like discharge.
Since the pain is very severe (10/10) and persistent for months, it would be advisable for her to see a doctor again, preferably an orthopedic specialist or general surgeon. They may recommend a physical examination and imaging such as an X-ray or MRI of the coccyx/sacral area to rule out fracture, chronic inflammation, or a cyst.
If swelling, redness, fever, or discharge increases, she should seek medical evaluation promptly.
I hope this helps. Thank you. Take care.
Hello Thank you for describing her symptoms and the sequence of events so clearly. Based on what you’ve shared—pain and swelling in a specific area after a fall, increased inflammation when bending forward, and occasional mucus-like discharge during bowel movements—it’s reasonable to consider a few possibilities:
### Most Likely Causes
1. Soft Tissue Injury or Hematoma:
After a fall, bruising or swelling of the muscles, fat, or connective tissue near the rectal or perineal area is common. This can cause pain, swelling, and sometimes a feeling of fullness or inflammation, especially when moving or pressing on the area.
2. Nerve Irritation or Inflammation:
If the fall caused a stretch or compression of nerves in the lower back, buttock, or pelvic region, it can lead to persistent pain, sometimes radiating or worsening with movement. Amitriptyline is often prescribed for nerve-related pain.
3. Minor Anal or Perianal Injury:
Even if the doctor didn’t find a direct rectal problem, a small tear, fissure, or irritation near the anus can cause pain and sometimes mucus discharge, especially during bowel movements.
4. Less Likely but Possible:
- Localized infection or abscess (would usually cause redness, warmth, fever)
- Exacerbation of a pre-existing condition (like hemorrhoids or a cyst)
### Why Rest Helps Resting reduces pressure and movement in the injured area, which can temporarily decrease pain and swelling.
### What to Watch For - Increasing redness, warmth, or fever (could mean infection) - Worsening pain or swelling - Difficulty passing stool or urine - Persistent or increasing mucus or blood in stool
### Next Steps - Continue prescribed treatment and rest as advised. - Apply cold packs (if swelling is recent) or warm compresses (if swelling is older than 48 hours) for comfort. - If symptoms worsen or new symptoms develop, a follow-up with the doctor is important—sometimes imaging (like an ultrasound or MRI) is needed to rule out deeper injuries.
This type of pain after a fall is most often due to soft tissue or nerve irritation, but monitoring for any changes is important.
Thank you
Hello, thank you for sharing your concern. Based on your explanation, issues might be due to Coccyx injury or fracture, Soft tissue injury or ligament strain in that region or Local inflammation or swelling after trauma.
Pain that worsens on sitting, bending forward, walking, and straining, and improves with lying down, is very typical of tailbone (coccyx) injury.
However, the presence of swelling and mucus-like discharge suggests that there could also be a local infection, abscess, or pilonidal sinus, especially since the pain is severe and persistent. Here is my advise-
1. Avoid prolonged sitting (use a soft cushion or donut pillow). Give adequate rest and avoid strain. Use warm sitz baths (10–15 minutes, 2–3 times daily). You may use Tab. Paracetamol 650mg for pain relief.
2. Please get her examined again (preferably by a surgeon): She may need: Physical examination of the area. Possibly an X-ray of coccyx. If swelling persists, then Ultrasound/MRI.
3. Seek urgent care if: Fever develops. Swelling increases or becomes very tender. Pus discharge appears. Pain becomes unbearable.
4. The medications given earlier may help in some types of pain, but given the severity, swelling, and duration, a local structural or infective cause must be ruled out properly.
Overall, this condition is treatable, but she needs a proper re-evaluation and possibly imaging to identify the exact cause.
Feel free to reach out again.
Regards, Dr. Nirav Jain MBBS, D.Fam.Medicine
