WHAT IS BURSITIS OF THE HIP?
Hip bursitis is an inflammation of the bursae in the hip, or the sacs of fluid between the bones and soft tissues in the joint. These sacs minimize friction between the hip bones, providing them with a much greater range of motion. Any damage to the bursae can prevent the hip from functioning properly.
HIP BURSITIS SYMPTOMS
Symptoms of hip bursitis vary with the severity of the condition, but most cases present a consistent set of complications. The most common include:
- A sharp pain or dull ache in the hip
- An inability to sit or lie down on the affected hip
- Difficulty standing up from a sitting position
HIP BURSITIS CAUSES
Hip bursitis is most often caused by prolonged stress on, or overuse of, the hip joint. As a result, it can be particularly common among runners. Other causes may include
- Prior surgery on the affected hip
- A significant difference in the lengths of the legs
- Spinal disorders
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Bone spurs
HIP BURSITIS TREATMENT
Conservative
Treatments for hip bursitis are usually conservative, though the precise course of treatment will depend on the severity of the condition. The most effective treatment options include:
- Cold compresses
- Physical therapy
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Corticosteroid injections
Surgery and Recovery
While most patients with hip bursitis respond well to conservative treatments, particularly severe cases may benefit from surgical intervention. Should you opt for surgery, your orthopedic surgeon will extract fluid from the inflamed bursa or, if necessary, extract the inflamed bursa itself. In most cases, the procedure is performed arthroscopically.
As a minimally invasive procedure, bursa removal is designed to reduce the risk of complications and shorten recovery timelines. You will need to walk on crutches for several days after surgery, and you might need to wear a supportive brace depending on the extent of the operation.
Within two weeks, most patients can begin a physical therapy program designed to restore function to the hip and rebuild the surrounding muscles, ligaments, and tendons. You can expect a complete recovery after two to three months of rehabilitation.
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EXPERIENCING PAIN? DO YOU HAVE AN INJURY?
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