Introduction
Around the shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, and heel are just a few of the body's many bursae, which are tiny, jelly-like sacs. They serve as cushions to lessen friction and are located between bones and soft tissues. They contain a little amount of fluid. Bursa inflammation is referred to as bursitis.
What Are the Types of Bursae in the Hip?
-
The greater trochanter, the bony tip of the hip bone, is covered by one bursa. Trochanteric bursitis is the medical term for this bursa's inflammation.
-
The iliopsoas bursa is another bursa that can be found on the inner of the hip in the groin region.
-
Although the pain occurs in the groin region, the ailment known as hip bursitis is occasionally used to describe this bursa inflammation.
-
Although less frequent than trochanteric bursitis, this ailment is nevertheless managed in a similar way.
What Are the Symptoms Experienced by Patients With Hip Bursitis?
-
Hip joint pain is the primary symptom of trochanteric bursitis.
-
Usually, the discomfort radiates to the outer part of the thigh.
-
The pain is typically reported as being severe and powerful in the early stages.
-
Later, the discomfort could expand to a wider area of the hip and turn into more of an ache.
-
The discomfort typically intensifies at night, when sleeping on the affected hip, and when rising from a chair after a prolonged period of sitting. Long-term walking, stair climbing, or crouching may make it worse as well.
Who Is at Risk for Developing Hip Bursitis?
Although hip bursitis can affect everyone, women and persons in their middle or late years are more likely to get it. Young adults, more commonly males, are less likely to experience it. The following risk factors have been linked to hip bursitis development.
-
Overuse (Repetitive Stress) Damage: This can happen when the patient runs, climbs stairs, rides a bike, or constantly remains in a fixed position or posture for an extended amount of time.
-
Hip Damage: When the patient falls onto the hip, hits the hip, or spends a lot of time lying on one particular side of the body, the patient runs the risk of suffering a hip injury.
-
Spine Disease: It encompasses conditions including scoliosis, lumbar (lower) spine arthritis, and other issues with the spine that may impair the ability to walk.
-
Leg Length Inequality: Having one leg that is noticeably shorter than the other impacts how the patient walks and may cause hip bursa inflammation.
-
Rheumatoid Arthritis: This increases the likelihood of bursal inflammation.
-
Prior Surgery: The bursa might get irritated and develop bursitis as a result of hip surgery or prosthetic implants in the hip.
-
Calcium Deposits or Bone Spurs: These can form inside the tendons connecting muscles to the trochanter. They could irritate and inflame the bursa.
How Is Hip Bursitis Examined and Diagnosed?
During a thorough physical examination, the doctor will search for discomfort near the hip's point in order to identify hip bursitis. In order to rule out any other potential injuries or conditions, they could also do additional tests. Imaging investigations, including X-rays, bone scans, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, might be a part of these tests.
What Are the Modalities of Treatment for Hip Bursitis?
-
Non-surgical Treatment: Hip bursitis is treated without surgery in the beginning. With little lifestyle adjustments, many patients with hip bursitis can find relief, including:
-
Altering Activity: Staying away from activities that make symptoms worse.
-
NSAIDs: A number of medications, including Celecoxib, Piroxicam, Naproxen, and Ibuprofen, can reduce pain and inflammation. They should only be taken occasionally and cautiously. If the patient has specific medical conditions or takes specific drugs, NSAIDs may cause negative side effects.
-
Assistive Technology: Whenever necessary, use crutches or a walking cane for a week or more.
-
Physical Therapy: The doctor can recommend hip strength and flexibility workouts, as well as IT band stretches. The patient can perform these exercises on their own, or the patient can learn from a physical therapist how to stretch the hip muscles and make use of other remedies like rolling therapy (massage), cold, heat, or ultrasound.
-
Injection of Steroids: A corticosteroid injection combined with a local anesthetic may potentially be beneficial in reducing hip bursitis symptoms. This is a straightforward and efficient procedure that can be carried out at the doctor's office. A single injection is used to treat the bursa. The injection may offer either short-term (months) or long-term relief. A follow-up injection a few months after the initial injection might be helpful if pain and inflammation recur.
-
Surgical Treatment: Hip bursitis rarely necessitates surgery. After exhausting all non-surgical options, the doctor can advise surgical bursa excision if the inflammation and pain persist. The hip may function normally without the bursa and is not harmed by its removal. A more recent method that is gaining acceptance is arthroscopic bursectomy. This method involves making a tiny (1/4-inch) incision over the hip to remove the bursa. A second incision is used to insert a tiny camera, or arthroscope, that allows the surgeon to maneuver tiny surgical instruments and remove the bursa. Compared to open surgery, this procedure is less intrusive, and the recovery period is shorter and less unpleasant. Both procedures are performed as outpatients on the same day.
What Are the Modalities of Postoperative Rehabilitation for Hip Bursitis?
The patient might anticipate a brief time of rehabilitation following surgery. After surgery, it is acceptable to get up and move around that evening. For a few days, most patients find that using a cane or crutches is beneficial. After a few days, the soreness from surgery normally goes away.
What Are the Methods to Prevent Hip Bursitis?
There are steps the patient may take to stop the inflammation from getting worse, even if hip bursitis cannot always be prevented.
-
Steer clear of repetitive motions that strain the hips.
-
If necessary, reduce the weight.
-
For leg-length variations, get a properly fitting shoe insert.
-
Maintain the hip muscles' flexibility and strength.
Conclusion
The bursae of the hip are prone to inflammation owing to repetitive activities and overuse. Certain simple precautionary measures, such as losing weight, can help prevent it. It is usually managed nonsurgically; however, in extreme cases, surgery may be recommended.
