Hip bursitis is a painful condition. It occurs due to the swelling of the bursae. Bursae are fluid-filled sacs present near a joint. It cushions your muscles, ligaments and tendons. If swollen, the same bursae cause excruciating pain. There are two bursae near the hip joint the inflammation of which causes the conditions also known as trochanteric bursitis.
The purpose of bursae is to help the muscles, ligaments and tendons glide over the bones smoothly. In other words, bursae help you move. These are present throughout the body such as near the shoulder, knee, heel, elbow and hip. Inflammation of the bursae near the hip joint causes hip bursitis.
Stiffness and pain are common in this condition. However, other symptoms include:
As already mentioned, trochanteric bursitis occurs due to the swelling of the bursae. But, what causes the swelling? Let’s find out.
You may have fallen abruptly hurting the tip of the hip. Injury can also happen if you tend to lie on one side of the body for too long.
Keep an eye on your posture as well to prevent this condition. Conditions such as scoliosis and arthritis of the lower spine can cause pain.
Activities such as climbing or standing for long periods of time can lead to overuse of the joints. Hence, the bursae might get affected.
A poorly positioned joint can exert stress on your soft tissues causing hip bursitis.
These are the most common causes. Others include previous surgeries, hip bone spurs, other existing conditions, etc.
Physiotherapists guide you through specific treatments to control the pain and swelling. Common treatments include ice, heat, and kinesiology taping. Exercises, ultrasound and electrical stimulation.
The physiotherapist may use certain movement exercises to restore your optimal movement. You may start with passive motions to make the hip joints familiar with the movement. Eventually, you can start doing the prescribed stretches and exercises too.
Tight leg or spinal muscles can cause hip bursitis. So, the physical therapist helps you stretch your muscles through specific exercises.
You can restore your agility and strength through physiotherapy exercises. Your physical therapist also prescribes techniques to improve your balance skills.
Hip bursitis is treatable. It may not be that serious if you get it checked on time. In the case of physical therapy, there are no surgeries or medications involved. The process is effective yet painless.