Hip Bursitis 

The painful swelling of the bursae is called bursitis. The tendons, ligaments, and muscles are cushioned by fluid-filled sacs called bursae. Bursae facilitate the smooth movement of tendons, ligaments, and muscles over bone when they function appropriately. On the other hand, the surrounding tissue becomes extremely sensitive and painful when the bursae swell. Hip bursae are swollen in cases of trochanteric bursitis - which is known as hip bursitis. 

It is not just the hip that can get bursitis. Additionally, the elbow, knee, and shoulder joints may experience it. Bursitis can be either chronic (lasting a long time) or acute (short-lived). Hip bursitis can result from a number of factors, such as the following: 

• Frequent hip overuse or stress 
• The arthritis rheumatoid 
• Pseudogout Gout 
• Hip injury 
• Diabetes 
• Spinal issues, including scoliosis 
• Uneven limb lengths 
• Hip bone spurs, which are bony growths on top of healthy bone 
• Bacterium infection, such as a staph infection or Staphylococcus aureus infection

Types of Hip Bursitis

The main types of hip bursitis are: 

• Trochanteric Bursitis: This is the most common type of hip bursitis., which involves inflammation of the bursa located over the bony prominence on the side of the hip called the greater trochanter. 
• Iliopsoas Bursitis: This involves inflammation of the bursa located on the inside (groin side) of the hip. The pain is felt in the groin area rather than the outside of the hip. This type of hip bursitis is less common than trochanteric bursitis. 
  • In rare cases, there can be Isolated Trochanteric Bursitis that is not associated with other conditions. However, more often trochanteric bursitis is part of a broader condition called Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome, which involves gluteal tendon pathology in addition to bursitis. 
  • Septic bursitis, caused by a bacterial infection, can also occur in the hip but is uncommon. This type involves additional symptoms like fever, redness, and warmth around the affected bursa. 

Symptoms of Hip Bursitis

Joint soreness and pain are among the major hip bursitis symptoms. Additionally, the affected area may be warm to the touch and swollen. In the initial days, the discomfort is frequently intense. Later, it could feel achy and dull. It might be more noticeable when you get out of bed or a chair. Long periods of sitting and sleeping on the afflicted side may also make it noticeable to you. 

Usually, acute bursitis worsens up over a few hours or days. The duration of chronic bursitis ranges from a few days to many weeks. Prolonged signs of bursitis may disappear and then reappear. If an injury to the hip occurs or if the acute bursitis returns, it may turn chronic. 

The bursae may thicken with time, exacerbating the edema. This may result in atrophy, or weakening of the local muscles, and restricted movement.

• Diagnosing 
• Hip 
• Bursitis 

Along with examining you, your doctor will inquire about your symptoms including the intensity and frequency of hip bursitis pain. In certain cases, additional testing may be required to rule out illnesses other than the one causing the symptoms. MRIS and X-rays are two possible diagnostic procedures (MRI). 

Treatment of Hip Bursitis

Medication, physical treatments, exercises, and surgery all are cure for hip bursitis. Performing stretching and strengthening exercises is the standard treatment. This can be used to avoid bursitis as well as treat it, as it helps reduce muscular atrophy. It is advisable to stop any painful activities. In addition, one must consult a physician about exercises that can strengthen the affected area. Although the capacity to perform daily tasks may be impacted by your bursitis, it is important to keep up on with the exercises. Also, physical treatment might be necessary to get you moving once 
more. 

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) like naproxen or ibuprofen can also be used to reduce discomfort and swelling and are best for acute hip bursitis treatment. To lessen swelling, you might also apply an ice pack to the affected area. 

If these therapies prove ineffective, you might require bursa fluid extraction for hip bursitis relief. To lessen discomfort and swelling, you could also require steroid injections. Bursitis may typically be effectively treated with steroid injections. After a few months, the person might need another injection. 

Bursitis rarely requires surgery to be treated. It's only applied in cases where no other therapies work. For those who do require surgery, the process is straightforward. The hip bursa is removed by the physician. In the absence of the bursa, the hip can operate normally. The surgery typically doesn't necessitate a lengthy hospital stay. Recuperation times are usually brief. 

Risk for Hip Bursitis 

The main risk factors for developing hip bursitis include: 

• Repetitive stress or overuse injury: Activities like running, cycling, stair climbing, and prolonged standing can irritate the hip bursae and lead to inflammation. 
• Hip injury: Direct trauma to the hip, such as from a fall or impact, can damage the bursa and cause bursitis. 
• Spine conditions: Disorders affecting the lower back, like arthritis or scoliosis, can alter gait and biomechanics in a way that strains the hip bursae. 
• Leg length inequality: When one leg is significantly shorter than the other, it can cause abnormal hip mechanics and bursitis. 
• Rheumatoid arthritis: This inflammatory condition makes the bursae more prone to irritation and swelling. 
• Prior hip surgery: Procedures around the hip joint can disrupt normal mechanics and trigger bursitis. 

When to See a Doctor? 

You should see a doctor for hip bursitis if the pain lasts longer than 1-2 weeks, interferes with your daily activities, or is accompanied by fever, chills, or redness around the hip. Prompt medical attention is especially important for septic bursitis, which is a serious infection that requires antibiotic treatment. 

Conclusion

Hip bursitis is a common condition that can cause significant pain and disability if left untreated. Recognizing the different types of hip bursitis, understanding the risk factors, and seeking timely medical care is crucial for effective management. 

With proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment, such as anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, and in some cases, corticosteroid injections, most patients with hip bursitis can achieve relief and return to their normal activities. Addressing the underlying causes and modifying risk factors can also help prevent recurrence of this debilitating condition. 

FAQs

Q1. What is the fastest way to heal bursitis of the hip? 

Ans. The fastest way to heal hip bursitis is to combine immediate treatment with ice, anti- inflammatory medications, and targeted physical therapy exercises to reduce pain, improve flexibility, and strengthen the surrounding muscles. 

Q2. Is walking good for hip bursitis? 

Ans. Walking can be beneficial for hip bursitis, but it depends on the severity of the condition. Moderate, low-impact walking may help reduce stiffness and improve mobility, but high-impact activities should be avoided during flare-ups. 

CARE Medical Team