Hip Bursitis

Hip bursitis is an inflammation of one of the bursae in the hip region. Bursae are small fluid-filled sacs positioned between bones and surrounding soft tissues, which act as cushions to help reduce friction between the different structures. They are found in many parts of the body. When bursae become inflamed, they produce an excessive amount of fluid, which causes them to become swollen and press on the surrounding tissues.

There are two bursae in the hip that most commonly become inflamed: the greater trochanter bursa and the iliopsoas bursa. The greater trochanter bursa covers the greater trochanter, which is the bony point at the upper thighbone that juts out to the side. Inflammation of this bursa, called trochanteric bursitis, is the most common type of hip bursitis. The iliospoas bursa is on the inside (groin side) of the hip. Inflammation of this bursa is called iliopsoas bursitis.

Here at YourOrthoSolution, we have some of the top orthopedic surgeons and sports medicine physicians in the country. We are dedicated to getting you back to the things you love through a customized plan that fits only you. Our caring team always goes that extra step to make you feel like part of our family. We specialize in treating conditions such as hip bursitis and want to help you start the healing process as quickly as possible to get you on the path to recovery.

Cause

Bursitis usually develops as the result of overuse or constant friction and stress on the bursa. While hip bursitis can affect anyone, it is more common in women and middle-aged or elderly individuals. Other factors that increase the likelihood of developing hip bursitis, include:

• Repetitive use of the hip – as can occur with running, stair climbing, bicycling, or standing for long periods of time
• A past hip injury – which can range from a fall on the hip to simply lying on one side for a prolonged period of time
• Spine disorders – such as scoliosis (sideways curvature) or arthritis of the lower spine
• Leg-length difference – when one leg is significantly shorter than the other, it affects the way you walk and can cause irritation of a hip bursa
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Previous hip surgery, including implants
• Bone spurs
• Calcium deposits in the tendons that attach to the greater trochanter

Symptoms

The most common symptom of trochanteric bursitis is pain over the greater trochanter, extending down into the outer thigh. When bursitis begins, the pain is generally sharp and intense, while later on, the pain may become more of an ache and spread across a larger area. The pain is usually worse when lying down (especially at night) or when getting up from a chair. It is also more severe during long walks or when going up stairs or squatting.

Iliopsoas bursitis generally causes pain in the groin instead of in the hip.

Treatment

Although they cause pain in different locations, trochanteric bursitis and iliopsoas bursitis are treated in a similar manner.

Nonsurgical

Nonsurgical treatment is the primary form of treatment for hip bursitis. Nonsurgical options include:

• Activity modification – this involves avoiding activities that make symptoms worse
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Ice or heat applied to the bursa area
• Assistive mobility devies – use of a cane or crutches for one to two weeks may be necessary if walking if affected
• Physical therapy – this includes exercises to increase hip strength and flexibility and possibly also massage therapy and ultrasound therapy
• Corticosteroid injections into the bursa – this which may provide temporary, or sometimes even permanent, pain relief

Surgical

If significant symptoms persist despite nonsurgical treatment, surgery may occasionally be considered. Surgery consists of removing the bursa. This is generally performed via minimally invasive arthroscopy. YourOrthoSolution is always keeping you, the patient, in mind and looking for the least-invasive way to repair all injuries. The smaller the incision, the less trauma to muscle and other tissues. This produces less bleeding and scarring and leads to a quicker recovery.

During arthroscopic surgery, a small camera known as an arthroscope is inserted into the hip joint through a very small incision. The camera displays images on a high-definition screen, allowing your surgeon to have a detailed view of the area while he or she uses miniature surgical instruments to perform the surgery.

This type of surgery is almost always performed in an outpatient setting. There are many advantages to outpatient surgery centers versus hospitals, including better outcomes, lower infection rates, no overnight stay, lower costs and the convenience that comes with a smaller, yet highly skilled, staff.

At YourOrthoSolution, all of our doctors and staff are dedicated to ensuring that you not only receive the best orthopedic care in the area but also have an exceptional experience each time you visit our locations. Our dedicated staff will handle all insurance processes for you. You can expect to be in a friendly atmosphere and receive top orthopedic treatment to get you back to normal activities as quickly as possible.