Hip
Bursitis: The Various Forms of Hip Bursitis and the Treatments You
Can Use to Help Ease Your Pain
There are three areas
in the hip region that can develop bursitis. The most commonly injured
area is the outer area of the hip that contains the trochanteric
bursa. The bursae are fluid filled sacs that act as a cushion or
lubricant between muscle tissue, bones and tendons. These bursae
can become inflamed either from age, exercise injury, or direct
impact. This type of hip bursitis can actually even be caused just
by laying on that side of the body for long periods of time during
sleep. The pain associated with this type of hip bursitis is felt
on the outside area of the hip area, can feel like tenderness or
burning, and can often become irritated during walking or climbing
stairs.
Ischial Hip Bursitis:
The other bursae that commonly become irritated in the hip area
are called the ischial bursae, which are located at the upper buttock
area. These bursae protect the gluteus maximus muscle from bones
of the upper hip. This type of bursitis is caused by sitting for
prolonged periods of time. Another term for this type of hip bursitis
is “weaver’s bottom.”
Iliopsoas Hip Bursitis:
This third type of hip bursitis is the least common. The ilippsoas
bursae are located in the inner groin area of the hip region. Even
though the pain from this form of bursitis is localized to the inner
groin, it is still considered a form of hip bursitis.
Treatment of Hip Bursitis:
Your doctor will determine whether or not you have hip bursitis
by pinpointing the exact location of your pain and if the source
of the pain is in the bursae area. He or she may use any of the
following possible treatment options:
NSAIDs – Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
medications, such as ibuprofen
Cortisone shot directly into the affected
area
Ice and heat therapy
Hip stretching exercises
Surgery
Most cases of hip bursitis can be easily
treated with anti-inflammatory medications, pain management techniques,
or cortisone shots administered by your physician. However, in the
rare occasion where all modes of treatment have failed, surgery
may be the last option. Surgery, most commonly done through arthroscopy,
is used to remove the bursae.
If you suspect that you may be suffering from any of these forms
of hip bursitis, and you are unable to relieve the pain symptoms
through over the counter medication or heat/ice therapy, you should
contact your physician in order to determine if there isn’t
another underlying condition that may be causing your pain, or to
seek the appropriate form treatment to help relieve your symptoms.
