Hip Bursitis
Bursitis is a condition that causes pain and swelling in the hip. The most common type of bursitis, called hip bursitis, is caused by overuse or repetitive motions. Treatment for hip bursitis typically involves resting the joint, using ice packs to reduce swelling, and seeing a physiotherapist or a chiropractor for additional treatment and hip bursitis exercises. In more extreme cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the inflamed bursa.
What Are The Symptoms of Hip Bursitis?
The most common symptom of hip bursitis is a pain in the hip. This pain may be felt in the groin, thigh, or buttock. The pain may also be worse when you move your hip, such as when you walk, climb stairs, or get up from a chair. Other symptoms include:
- Swelling
- Stiffness
- Decreased range of motion
Causes of Hip Bursitis
Hip bursitis is most often caused by overuse or repetitive motions. This may be from a job that requires you to do a lot of squatting, lifting, or kneeling.
It can also be from activities such as running, dancing, or playing soccer. In some cases, an injury or trauma to the hip can lead to bursitis. This includes falls, car accidents, or hip fractures. In rare cases, a bacterial infection can cause bursitis.
Risk Factors for Hip Bursitis
Several things can increase your risk of developing hip bursitis. These include:
Age: The risk of bursitis increases with age. This is because the tissues around your joints become less flexible and more likely to be injured.
Joint problems: If you have arthritis or gout, you’re more likely to develop bursitis.
Being overweight: Extra weight puts pressure on your joints and can increase the risk of bursitis.
Having a job that puts strain on your hips: If your job requires you to do a lot of squatting, kneeling, or lifting, you’re more likely to develop bursitis.
Participating in high-impact sports: Running, tennis, and basketball are examples of sports that can increase your risk of bursitis.
Diagnosing Hip Bursitis
After discussing your symptoms and medical history, your doctor will do a physical exam.This will help them determine if you have bursitis or another condition.
Imaging tests may also be done to rule out other causes of your pain. These tests can include an X-ray or ultrasound. In some cases, your doctor may need to remove fluid from the bursa to check for infection. This is called a bursal aspiration.
Treatment for Hip Bursitis
Treatment for bursitis includes reducing pain and swelling. Treatment may also help improve the hip range of motion and function. Below are some recommendations your doctor or physiotherapist will tell you to do at home.
Rest: You may need to take a break from activities that put a strain on your hip. This will give the bursa time to heal.
Ice: Apply a 20-minute ice pack to the injured hip several times a day. Protect your skin by putting a thin towel between the ice and your skin. Use a thin towel or cloth between the ice and your skin.
Compression: Use an elastic compression bandage to help reduce swelling.
Elevation: Raise the affected hip above the level of your heart to help reduce swelling.
Hip Bursitis Exercises
Your physiotherapist will likely recommend a series of hip bursitis exercises to help improve your hip range of motion and function. These may include
Range of motion exercises: This help improves the movement of your hip.
Strengthening exercises: These help build up the muscles around your hip to better support the joint.
Stretching exercises: This help lengthens the muscles and tissues around your hip joint.
Balance exercises: These help improve your balance and coordination.
It's very important to follow through the hip bursitis exercises your physiotherapist gives you, so you can recover faster. At Pillars of Wellness, our team is well-trained and experienced in treating hip bursitis among other injuries and conditions.
Recovery From Hip Bursitis
Most people recover from bursitis with home treatment and physiotherapy. Recovery times vary depending on the severity of your condition.
Minor bursitis may clear up within a few days to a week. More severe cases can take several weeks to months. It’s important to continue with your physiotherapy exercises during this time to help speed up your recovery.
In some cases, hip bursitis may come back. This is more likely if you don’t follow through with your hip bursitis exercises program or if you return to activities that put a strain on your hip too soon.
If you have any questions about hip bursitis or would like to book an appointment, please contact us today.