How to Treat Hip Bursitis Pain

Hip bursitis is inflammation of the small bursae; fluid-filled sacs cushion the bones, tendons, and muscles around the hip joint. There are several bursae in the hip, but the most commonly affected is the trochanteric bursa, which is located on the outside of the hip.

Hip bursitis can be caused by overuse, such as running, jumping, or squatting. It can also be caused by injury, such as a fall or blow to the hip. Hip bursitis is also more common in people with certain medical conditions, such as arthritis, obesity, and diabetes.

Hip Bursitis Symptoms

 The most common symptom of hip bursitis is pain on the outer side of the hip, which often worsens with movement. Activities like walking, climbing stairs, or getting up from a chair may aggravate the pain. In addition to pain, you may also experience swelling and tenderness in the affected area.

How to Treat Hip Bursitis Pain

If you are suffering from hip bursitis, the primary focus of treatment should be to reduce inflammation of the bursa. Bursae are sacs filled with gel that are present between bones and soft tissues in the body, protecting against friction resulting from movement. If you are experiencing hip pain due to bursitis, continue reading to learn more about this condition.

Home Treatment Options

Hip bursitis can be treated at home by most people. Here are some home remedies to reduce the swelling and pain associated with hip bursitis. 

Heat and Cold Therapy

Bursitis of the hip makes any movements that demand muscle mass painful. Place a herbal cold therapy pack on the hip for twenty minutes to keep swelling from developing in the affected area. Alternatively, Heat therapy can loosen tight muscles and eliminate soreness. If there's visible swelling, it is wise to begin with a cold pack, even if you haven't used it.

 

While Heat with a Sacksythyme's Hot Therapy relief microwavable heating pad can be relaxing, Heat can encourage blood flow to the region and increase swelling. Avoid Cold and Heat on your skin for long periods to prevent skin injury.

Hip Stretches and Exercises

Stretching and exercise can help people with hip bursitis. Stretching can loosen the muscles surrounding the hips, especially those over the hip. You will improve your flexibility and range of motion over time.

Exercise will strengthen your hip muscles, lower back, and legs. It can help support the hip joint. If you feel a sharp pain, slow down and stop. 

Over-the-Counter Medication

Oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are over-the-counter and nonsteroidal (not steroidal) drugs. Such as ibuprofen (Advil) and Motrin (Aleve) are safe medications that reduce inflammation and pain in the body.

These medications can reduce discomfort and allow you to move more quickly. Before taking new medicines, talk to your pharmacist or doctor to avoid unintended side effects. 

Physical Therapy

A physical therapist can diagnose and treat many medical conditions, including hip bursitis. You will be given a series of stretches and movements to ease your pain and reduce the strain on your hip.

These adjustments can improve alignment and prevent irritation of the hip bursa. You will receive instructions on continuing home therapy after your physical therapy appointment.

Other Treatment Options for Hip Bursitis

If home treatment fails to cure hip bursitis, then medical treatment Options may be necessary. For the best results, consult your doctor. 

Cortisone Injection

Cortisone injections are powerful anti-inflammatory medications that are injected directly into your bursa. It can reduce swelling and pain right at the source of irritation. The relief can be temporary or permanent. You can get repeated cortisone injections if the pain persists. However, your doctor may limit how many you can receive.​ 

Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave therapy uses sound waves to encourage cell regeneration. It stimulates the body's natural healing process and can help to break down damaged tissue or calcifications. This treatment is best for hip bursitis pain. Your doctor can talk to you and your physical therapist about the details. 

Surgery

Hip surgery is recommended for people who have not found relief from other treatments. The surgeon will conduct a physical examination of the area. They may also order diagnostic imaging such as an X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and other imaging.

After your surgeon has collected all the necessary information, they will discuss the risks and benefits of surgery. The most common procedure for hip bursitis is arthroscopic surgery to remove the bursa. It is an outpatient procedure that's less invasive and can be performed regularly. 

How to Prevent Hip Bursitis

Although you cannot prevent hip bursitis completely, there are many strategies that you can use to reduce the chance of it happening. These strategies are available below. 

Correct Exercise Technique

Avoid doing strenuous activities that put too much strain on your hips. When exercising, make sure you maintain good form. Keep structure strong enough to do longer workouts. Avoid specific exercises such as running, weight lifting, and cycling until you feel pain-free. 

Orthotics

Many things can cause hip bursitis. Hip bursitis can be caused by uneven leg length, scoliosis, and repetitive motion. Orthotics can help relieve some stress from your hips by caring for your feet.

Your joints from your ankles to your spine are interconnected, and if one is misaligned, it can cause problems for the rest. Consult your doctor to determine if an orthotic is necessary for your particular imbalance. 

Lifestyle Changes

Simple lifestyle changes can often make a big difference in hip pain. Here are some lifestyle changes that you might consider.

• Lose weight if necessary.
• Avoid high-impact activities
• Avoid squatting
• If you feel pain, stop.
• Conditions that put stress on your hips (uneven leg length, scoliosis)
• Before you exercise, warm up and then cool off after exercise.

Preventing Hip Bursitis Pain

There are a number of things you can do to prevent hip bursitis, such as:

• Warm up before exercise. Warming up before exercise helps to prepare your muscles and tendons for activity, which can help to reduce your risk of injury.
• Stretch regularly. Stretching the muscles in your hips and thighs can help to improve flexibility and reduce your risk of injury.
• Maintain a healthy weight. Excess weight puts additional stress on your joints, so maintaining a healthy weight can help to reduce your risk of developing hip bursitis.
• Avoid overuse. If you experience pain in your hip, stop the activity and rest. Continuing the activity could make the injury worse.
• Use proper lifting techniques. When lifting heavy objects, bend at the knees, not the waist. This will help to reduce stress on your back and hips.

Choosing the Right Treatment for You

Hip bursitis is a condition that can affect your daily life. The condition can often be treated at home using simple remedies. More than home treatment may be needed. If this happens,

One may require medical treatment. Before beginning any treatment, you should consult your doctor about developing a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.