Hip bursitis

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Bursae are small, jelly-like sacs, which are located throughout the entire body, including the shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, and heel. They consist of a little bit of fluid and are generally positioned between bones and soft tissues, serving as cushions in reducing friction.

Bursitis is inflammation of the bursa. The two main bursae inside the hip typically becomes irritated and inflamed. One bursa covers the bony point of the hipbone referred to as the greater trochanter.  Trochanteric bursitis is the known name for the inflammation of this bursae.

Symptoms of hip bursitis

The key characteristic of trochanteric bursitis is pain on the point of the hip. The discomfort usually refers to the outer aspect of the thigh area. During the early stages, the pain sensation is normally identified as sharp and intense. Later, it becomes much more of an ache and spread across a greater part of the hip. Typically, the discomfort is worse through the night, when lying on the affected hip, and whenever standing up from a chair after sitting down for a while. In addition, it can get worse with prolonged walking, stair climbing, or squatting.

Risk factors for hip bursitis

Hip bursitis can impact anyone but is far more experienced by women and middle-aged or older people. It’s less frequent in younger people as well as in men. The following risk factors have been associated with the development of hip bursitis.

•Repetitive stress (overuse) injury. This will occur when running, stair climbing, bicycling or standing for extended periods of time.

•Hip injury. Trauma at the point of your hip may occur after you fall on your hip, bump your hip, or lie on one side of the body for a prolonged period of time.
• Spine disease. This can include scoliosis, arthritis in the lumbar (lower) spine, and various spinal problems.
• Leg-length inequality. When one leg is shorter compared to the other leg. It can affect how you walk and result in irritation of the hip bursa.
• Rheumatoid arthritis. This makes the bursa more likely to become inflamed.
• Previous surgery. Surgery within the hip or prosthetic implants inside the hip can irritate the bursa and cause bursitis.
• Bone spurs or calcium deposits. These may develop within the tendons that attach muscles to the trochanter. They can irritate the bursa and cause inflammation.

Treatment for hip bursitis

The initial treatment for hip bursitis doesn’t involve surgery. Many individuals with hip bursitis may feel relief with chiropractic treatment and simple changes in lifestyle, including:

  • Activity modification. Steer clear of the activities that worsen symptoms.
  • Assistive devices. By using a crutch for a week or more when required.
  • Physical rehabilitation. Your chiropractor may educate you on the best way to stretch your hip muscles and employ other treatment techniques including ultrasound, muscle stimulating methods, or cross-friction.
  • Steroid injection. The injection may provide temporary (months) or permanent relief. If the pain and swelling returns, another injection or two, several months apart, may be required.
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