Hip Bursitis Treatment in Illinois

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Bursae are small, fluid-filled\ sacs that cushion the joints of the body allowing the tendons and muscles to glide over each other without friction or resistance. There are 160 bursae located around the major joints of the human body, including the shoulder, elbow, hip, and knee. When a bursa becomes inflamed the condition is known as bursitis. Bursitis causes tenderness, pain and swelling in the affected area, and can lead to a restriction of movement for the patient.

Bursitis of the hip is the result of inflammation of either of the two bursae in the hip. The most common form of the condition is trochanteric bursitis, which is an irritation or inflammation of the bursa located at the outside lateral point of the hip (aka the greater trochanter). There is a second bursa located in the hip, called the iliopsoas bursa. Though less common, this can also become inflamed or irritated leading to pain in the groin area. Either condition is generally referred to as bursitis of the hip.

Causes of Bursitis

Bursitis can affect anyone, though it is more commonly found in women and middle-aged or elderly individuals. Bursitis of the hip is commonly caused by one or more of the following:

• Injury to the hip – injury is one of the more common causes of trochanteric bursitis and can include falling onto the point of the hip or being struck by an object. Lying on one’s side for long periods can also cause bursitis of the hip.
• Repetitive stress or overuse – this can include, running, jumping, bicycling and climbing. Hip bursitis can also be the result of standing for long periods of time.
• Incorrect posture – posture-related bursitis is often a side effect of scoliosis or arthritis of the lumbar spine.
• Abnormal stress on soft tissues in the hip – this can result from poorly positioned bones, as sometimes occurs with patients who have one leg longer than the other.
• Other diseases or pre-existing conditions – in some cases bursitis of the hip can be caused, or exacerbated, by other conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, or thyroid disease.

Symptoms of Bursitis

The symptoms most commonly associated with bursitis of the hip include:

• Pain at point of hip
• Pain extends to outside of thigh area
• Pain starts as sharp and intense and becomes achy and more spread out
• Pain is worse at night, when lying on affected hip, and when rising after sitting
• Pain may worsen with prolonged walking, stair climbing or squatting

Schedule your appointment at Fox Valley Orthopedics today by calling (630) 584-1400.