The bursitis of the hip is a condition that affects individuals of all ages and activity levels, causing pain and discomfort in the hip area. It can limit mobility and impact daily life significantly. But what exactly is bursitis of the hip, and why does it occur? In this blog, we’ll explore its causes, symptoms, and treatments while delving into methods to prevent and heal it effectively.
The bursitis of the hip is a condition that affects individuals of all ages and activity levels, causing pain and discomfort in the hip area. It can limit mobility and impact daily life significantly. But what exactly is bursitis of the hip, and why does it occur? In this blog, we’ll explore its causes, symptoms, and treatments while delving into methods to prevent and heal it effectively.
To begin, let’s answer the fundamental question: what is bursitis of the hip? The term refers to the inflammation of the bursa in the hip region. Bursae are small, fluid-filled sacs located near joints, acting as cushions to reduce friction between bones, tendons, and muscles. When these bursae become inflamed, it leads to pain and discomfort, which is known as bursitis.
The bursa of the hip plays a vital role in joint function. There are two major bursae in the hip area: the trochanteric bursa and the iliopsoas bursa. The trochanteric bursa is located near the outer side of the hip, while the iliopsoas bursa lies closer to the groin. These bursae work as lubricating cushions, ensuring smooth movement and reducing the risk of friction-related injuries. When these bursae are subjected to repetitive stress, injury, or infection, they can become swollen and painful, resulting in bursitis.
Understanding what causes bursitis of the hip is critical for both prevention and treatment. Several factors can lead to the inflammation of the hip’s bursae, and a combination of these factors often contributes to the development of the condition. Here are the most common causes explained in greater detail:
Overuse or Repetitive Motion: Engaging in repetitive activities that stress the hip joint can lead to irritation of the bursae. High-impact sports like running, cycling, or even prolonged walking, especially on uneven surfaces, place constant pressure on the hip. Over time, this continuous friction can inflame the bursae, resulting in bursitis. This is why athletes and active individuals are particularly susceptible.
Direct Trauma or Injury: A sudden blow to the hip, such as from a fall or collision, can irritate or damage the bursae, causing immediate inflammation. This type of bursitis is often referred to as acute bursitis because it develops quickly following the injury.
Underlying Medical Conditions: Arthritis: Conditions such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis increase the risk of bursitis. In these cases, inflammation in the joint can spread to the nearby bursae.
Gout or Pseudogout: Crystal deposits in the joints, caused by these metabolic conditions, can irritate the bursae.
Spinal Disorders: Issues with the lower back, such as scoliosis or spinal stenosis, may alter posture and gait, indirectly affecting the hip’s alignment and increasing stress on the bursae.
Infection (Septic Bursitis): Although rare, bursitis can be caused by bacterial infection, leading to a condition known as septic bursitis. This happens when bacteria enter the bursa through a wound or the bloodstream, causing intense swelling, warmth, and redness. Medical attention is crucial in such cases to prevent complications.
Poor Posture and Biomechanics: Improper posture, leg length discrepancies, or abnormal walking patterns (caused by conditions like flat feet or hip dysplasia) can put uneven pressure on the hip. Over time, this abnormal alignment and gait stress the bursae, leading to inflammation.
Surgical Procedures or Prosthetics: Hip surgeries or the use of prosthetic implants can sometimes disturb the natural structure of the joint and surrounding tissues. This disruption may trigger inflammation in the bursae.
Age and Degeneration: Aging naturally reduces the resilience of the body’s joints and tissues. With age, the bursa’s ability to cushion and protect diminishes, making older adults more prone to bursitis. Additionally, degenerative changes in the muscles and tendons around the hip may increase friction in the joint.
Excessive Weight: Carrying extra body weight increases the load on the hips, which can add stress to the bursae. Over time, this mechanical stress may cause irritation and inflammation.
Lack of Flexibility or Muscle Imbalance: Tight hip muscles or weak supporting muscles can lead to improper joint movement, increasing strain on the bursae. This is particularly common in individuals who do not regularly stretch or strengthen their hip muscles.
Some of the typical symptoms include:
Pain and tenderness around the hip joint.
Swelling and redness in the affected area.
Difficulty walking or lying on the side of the hip.
Pain that worsens with activity or pressure on the affected side.
If you leave it untreated, these symptoms may become chronic, severely impacting mobility and quality of life.
You can also send us a message
The good news is that most cases of bursitis of the hip can be managed and healed with the right approach. Here are some effective methods to consider:
Rest and Activity Modification: Avoid activities that aggravate the pain, and give your hip sufficient time to recover.
Ice Therapy: Applying ice packs to the affected area can reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
Stretching and Strengthening Exercises: Physical therapy exercises targeting the hip muscles can help improve flexibility and reduce stress on the bursae.
Anti-inflammatory Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can offer temporary relief from inflammation.
Proper Posture and Ergonomics:Â Improving posture and gait can minimize stress on the hip.
In more severe cases, professional medical intervention may be required. Treatment for bursitis of the hip may include:
Corticosteroid Injections:Â These provide rapid pain relief by reducing inflammation.
Aspiration:Â Draining the excess fluid from the inflamed bursa.
Surgery:Â In rare cases where conservative treatments fail, surgical removal of the bursa may be considered.
Prevention is always better than cure. Here are some tips to keep bursitis at bay:
Warm up before physical activity and cool down afterward.
Maintain a healthy weight to reduce strain on the joints.
Wear proper footwear that provides adequate support.
Listen to your body and rest when you feel pain or discomfort.
Please refer to these articles if you are experiencing Hip Flexor Pain and Hip Pain.
An epidural steroid injection is a popular treatment option for helping patients who suffer from chronic pain find the relief they need. The Texas Pain Care team is proud to specialize in Epidural Steroid Injection for Chronic Pain, offering a multi-faceted, minimally-invasive approach for short- and long-term pain management
Our knee joints, versatile in motion, are susceptible to injury. With frequent and stressed movements over the years, joint suffering and knee pain can arise. The good news is that there are minimally-invasive options for helping to relieve chronic knee pain, including Knee Pain Treatment Gel Injection.
If you suffer from lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) and find that you can’t stand or walk for long periods of time without experiencing severe pain, there’s a new treatment option that has provided patients with relief.
Get out of pain
Get back to living
Treatments
Conditions
