Hip Bursitis – what is it?

Hip Bursitis – what is it?

Bursitis is a condition that occurs when a bursa becomes inflamed.

A bursa is a small sac, usually filled with fluid, that acts as a cushion/shock absorber between bones and soft tissues like muscle and ligaments.

Inflammation of the bursa over your bony part of your hip bone is called trochanteric bursitis, this is considered one of the most common types of bursitis. A lesser common site of bursal inflammation is of one located towards the inside of the hip and often referred to as iliopsoas bursitis.

The bursa can become inflamed due to repetitive irritation which may be caused by a sudden increase in training, but also due to incorrect biomechanics around the hip joint leading to abnormal irritation of the bursa.

Symptoms:

  • Hip pain
  • Pain extending through the thigh area
  • Early-stage,  more sharp and intense pain
  • Later stage,  ache feeling & more spread over the hip
  • Night pain

 

Functional Limitations:

  • Lying on the affected side
  • Standing up from sitting
  • Prolonged walking, stair climbing, or squatting

What do the doctors say?

To provide a diagnosis, doctors will perform a comprehensive assessment around the hip. Often, they will refer for additional tests such as medical imaging to confirm and/or rule out other conditions.

 

Management and Rehabilitation

Despite having local pain around the hip, other areas outside the hip need to be considered to determine any contributing factors that may lead to further injury.

 

Treatment needs to address the cause by prescribed a specific stretching program for hip flexors and other surrounding muscles to support the hip joint. That way, the hip joint can play its part in maintaining the stability of the pelvis when performing activities such as cycling.

 

Physiotherapy treatments may include:

  • Manual Therapy
  • Taping
  • Acupuncture or Dry Needling
  • Exercise Therapy & Home Exercise Programme
  • Advice on ice therapy

 

If you are anyone you know is suffering from hip pain, or have been diagnosed with hip bursitis, contact our clinic on (07) 3273 8887 to have a detailed assessment with our physiotherapists.

 

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