Dealing with hip bursitis can be a real pain—literally. 

If inflammation or swelling has left you with hip discomfort, it is important to have a firm grasp of the condition in order to get some relief. A good working knowledge of what lies behind hip bursitis – from its symptoms and causes to the available treatments – will put one in a position to better manage overall health and well-being.

What Is Hip Bursitis?

There is a type of arthritis known as hip bursitis. It is brought on when the bursa, the fluid-filled sacs that act as a cushion for the joints, get inflamed. You might put it down to injury or repetitive motions; these are common culprits and they make for some difficulty in going about one’s day. The telltale symptoms are swelling and pain in and around the hips. In the beginning the pain can be quite sharp before turning into a more persistent ache. Look too for any redness or warmth in the area, as well as tenderness.

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• We have multiple Orthopaedic Surgeons who specialize in hips. 
• We have a whole-body health approach when it comes to orthopaedic care.
• Our dedicated physical therapy team works with patients with hip issues to resolve discomfort and get them back to doing what they love.

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What Causes Hip Bursitis

Hip bursitis can develop from various factors:

• Repetitive motions - Like those from work or sports
• Injuries
• Infections
• Poor posture
• Aging

You might view hip bursitis as the body’s manner of putting in an “ouch” to put you on notice of overuse, a bad posture or some injury. In that sense it is as if your body is telling you to take it easy. Age alone can leave one more open to it. But by getting to the root of what is causing it and knowing the triggers, you're better placed to put in place strategies for management and to stave off future flare-ups.

Recognizing Symptoms of Hip Bursitis

You cannot overstate the importance of being able to spot the signs of hip bursitis in order to put an early stop to it. The condition is not one that hides its presence.

Should there be any swelling, tenderness or pain in the vicinity of the hip, particularly with movement, hip bursitis would be a likely culprit.

Other signs include: 

• Limping
• Difficulty lifting your knee
• Altered gait
• Hip pain when lying down or climbing stairs

From pain and tenderness to swelling and altered gait, understanding these signs can help you seek timely treatment.

Factors that Aggravate Hip Bursitis

There is no mistaking the presence of hip bursitis. One need only walk some distance or remain in a reclined position for an extended period to aggravate the bursa and put more fuel on the fire. Then there are exercises and such as rheumatoid arthritis or bad posture which can make matters worse; it is therefore important to have those under control when dealing with the condition.

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Hip Bursitis Treatment

Managing hip bursitis involves a multifaceted approach to reducing inflammation and promoting healing. So, what can you do about it? 

Fortunately, there are a few things you can implement yourself to find relief:

Healing and Preventing Hip Bursitis

Prevention is the key when it comes to hip bursitis. 

Simple lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a healthy diet, regular exercise, and correcting posture, can help prevent the recurrence of this painful condition. 

• Taking breaks during repetitive activities and tasks, to give your hip a breather. 
• Pay attention to maintaining good posture
• Staying active without overdoing it can all help keep hip bursitis at bay. 
• And don't forget to listen to your body— it knows best! 

As the old adage goes, prevention is the best medicine and that holds for hip bursitis as well.

The secret to a proper recovery is early intervention; some rest and an ice pack will get things started, but you should also put in an appearance with an orthopedic specialist for some direction. Should you be suffering from hip bursitis and find no relief, we would advise making time to see one of our orthopaedic specialists.

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Things to Avoid with Hip Bursitis

Those with hip bursitis would do well to steer clear of a few activities. Running is out, as are deep squats and leg lifts. You might even have to forgo the cardio machines since they tend to put undue pressure on hips that are already in a state of irritation. Better to concentrate on some gentle stretching and the kind of movement that will not put any additional strain on the joint.

It can be a trying condition, but there is no need to endure it indefinitely. With the right approach and some forethought, relief is attainable. A good grasp of what causes hip bursitis and how to identify its symptoms is key to putting an end to it and getting back to normal. Do not let hip bursitis get in the way of your day.

This blog post is meant to be informative and should not act as a self-diagnosis tool. If you’d like to see one of our doctors, please contact us here.