It's a common condition that affects the small, fluid-filled sacs called bursae found around the hip joint. They act as cushions, reducing friction between the bones, tendons, and muscles in the hip area. When it becomes inflamed or irritated, it leads to hip bursitis. That's why you have pain when you lie on your side, when you run or squat! In this blog, we will delve into the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for hip bursitis.
Causes
Hip bursitis can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
Repetitive Movements: Overuse or repetitive movements can irritate the bursae, leading to inflammation. Activities such as running, cycling, or stair climbing can contribute to the development of hip bursitis.
Trauma or Injury: A direct blow to the hip, a fall, or prolonged pressure on the hip can cause the bursae to become inflamed.
Poor Posture: Maintaining poor posture for extended periods can put stress on the hip joint and bursae, increasing the risk of bursitis.
Muscle Imbalances: Muscle imbalances around the hip, such as tight hip muscles or weak gluteal muscles, can lead to abnormal stress on the bursae and result in bursitis.
Symptoms Hip bursitis typically manifests as pain and tenderness on the outside of the hip, although it can also radiate to the thigh or buttock. Common symptoms include:
Hip Pain: Persistent pain on the outer side of the hip is the primary symptom of hip bursitis. The pain may worsen with activities that involve hip movement, such as walking or climbing stairs.
Swelling and Redness: Inflammation of the bursae can cause localized swelling and redness around the hip joint.
Limited Range of Motion: Hip bursitis may lead to stiffness and reduced flexibility in the hip joint, making it difficult to perform certain movements.
Treatment The treatment of hip bursitis focuses on relieving pain, reducing inflammation, and addressing the underlying causes. Here are some commonly recommended approaches:
Physical Therapy: A physical therapist can provide targeted exercises to strengthen weak muscles, improve flexibility, and correct muscle imbalances. They may also use techniques like ultrasound or electrical stimulation to reduce pain and inflammation.
Rest and Activity Modification: Resting the affected hip and avoiding activities that exacerbate the pain can help alleviate symptoms. Modifying activities to reduce stress on the hip joint is also crucial.
Ice and Heat Therapy: Applying ice packs or cold compresses to the hip for 15-20 minutes several times a day can help reduce inflammation. Heat therapy, such as warm baths or heating pads, may also provide relief.
Medications: Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, can help reduce pain and inflammation. In severe cases, a healthcare professional may prescribe stronger medications or administer corticosteroid injections to alleviate symptoms.
Physical Therapy: A physical therapist can provide targeted exercises to strengthen weak muscles, improve flexibility, and correct muscle imbalances. They may also use techniques like ultrasound or electrical stimulation to reduce pain and inflammation.
Assistive Devices: In some cases, using assistive devices like crutches or a cane can help reduce pressure on the affected hip during walking or other weight-bearing activities.
Invasive Procedures: In rare cases where conservative treatments fail, surgical intervention may be considered to remove the inflamed bursa or correct underlying structural issues.
Conclusion Hip bursitis can be a painful and debilitating condition, but with proper treatment and management, most individuals can find relief and regain their normal level of activity. If you have localised pain in your hip when you run and squat, it is likely you are suffering from hip bursitis. Thankfully, we have the video just for you. Justin demonstrates three simple exercises you can do at home to manage and reduce the pain in your hip. You can watch that video here:
If you are still feeling significant pain in your hip or you know someone who is, it's important to come down and see us. CLICK HERE to book a evaluation with us. For more short instructional videos, follow our Instagram page by CLICKING HERE
Commentaires