Hip bursitis: Why does pain occur?

Fact Checked

Hip bursitis is a usual issue that results to pain over the exterior part of the upper part of the thigh and hip joint. In the hip, once the bursa is inflamed, pain arises once the tendon moves over the bone.

Since individuals with hip bursitis move the tendon with every step, the symptoms of the condition can be painful.

What are the causes?

It is important to note that hip bursitis can be linked with various individuals.

• Athletes – the condition typically affects runners or athletes who engage in running-oriented sports such as football or soccer

  

• Certain injuries – the condition is often associated with individuals who fall onto the upper thigh which results to traumatic bursitis with signs the same as a hip pointer
• Post-surgical – individuals who had undergone surgery including hip replacement or hip fracture surgery might experience discomfort over the exterior of the hip. The symptoms are often triggered by irritation to the bursa which causes hip bursitis.

Management of hip bursitis

The treatment for hip bursitis generally starts with simple measures and progresses depending on the response of the individual to the treatment. Most individuals achieve relief from the symptoms with non-invasive measures for hip bursitis. Nevertheless, some might have difficulties in dealing with the signs of hip bursitis and might require an invasive approach.

The usual course of treatment starts with avoidance of activities that intensified the symptoms. This involves avoidance of the specific sports or exercise or simply limiting the frequency or avoiding lying on the side at night time.

Other simple measures that can be done include:

• Application of ice on the hip
• Anti-inflammatory drugs
• Home stretching regimen
• Working with a physical therapist with exercise and stretching can ensure that the condition does not become recurrent
• Cortisone shots is also used frequently as part of treatment