Hip Bursitis

Understanding Hip Conditions and Available Treatments

Hip Bursitis Treatment Near You in Hoover and Birmingham, Serving Central Alabama

The hips are among the most vulnerable joints in the body. They take heavy amounts of stress from carrying the body’s weight through day-to-day movements. Over time, this stress can result in pain. Fortunately, patients who struggle with hip pain can find care at Southlake Orthopaedics. We provide complete orthopedic care near you in Hoover and Birmingham-Grandview, Alabama, for a full range of conditions, including hip bursitis.

What Is Hip Bursitis?

Hip bursitis refers to inflammation of the bursae in the hip. Bursae are small, jelly-like sacs found throughout the body, including the shoulders, hips, knees, and ankles. They are located between bones in joints, where they act as cushions that reduce friction and absorb shock from impact. Bursitis occurs when the bursae become irritated or inflamed.

There are two bursae in each hip. One covers the greater trochanter, or the bony part of the hip bone. Inflammation of this bursa is called trochanteric bursitis and is the most common type of hip bursitis. The second bursa is called the iliopsoas bursa. It is located on the inside of the hip, near the groin. Bursitis in this region is not as common, but when it occurs, it is treated using similar methods.

What Are the Signs of Hip Bursitis?

The most common symptom of trochanteric bursitis is hip pain. It is strongest on the outside of the hip, where the inflamed bursa is located, but may spread through the thigh and buttock as well. Early stages of bursitis are associated with a sharp, intense pain. Later, the pain may become more of a dull ache. The pain may get worse at certain times, including:

At night
When lying down
When getting up after sitting
With prolonged walking
After climbing the stairs
While squatting

Iliopsoas bursitis causes similar symptoms to trochanteric bursitis, but the pain is primarily found in the groin area and inner thighs.

What Are the Causes and Risk Factors of Hip Bursitis?

Anything that irritates a bursa can cause bursitis. In many cases, the condition develops due to repetitive stress, such as from running, stair climbing, bicycling, or long periods of standing. A hip injury may also bruise the bursa to cause inflammation.

While anybody can be affected by hip bursitis, it is most common in women and in middle-aged to elderly people. Certain medical conditions can also increase a person’s risk of bursitis. Spine diseases like scoliosis can affect the way people walk, leading to increased stress on the bursa. Rheumatoid arthritis causes inflammation in joints that may lead to bursitis. Bone spurs and hip replacement implants can

How Is Hip Bursitis Diagnosed?

To diagnose hip bursitis, doctors start with a comprehensive physical evaluation. They interview patients about their symptoms while feeling for points of tenderness on the hip. They also review the patients’ medical history to identify potential risk factors, such as medical conditions, previous injuries, or prior surgeries.

The physical examination may be followed by additional tests to rule out other potential causes. An X-ray is used to examine the bone for bone spurs or signs of a stress factor. A bone scan provides a more detailed analysis of skeletal issues. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, meanwhile, is used to examine soft tissue. The MRI test can detect bursitis and other conditions affecting the muscles and connective tissues of the hip.

What Are the Treatment Options for Hip Bursitis?

In most cases, patients with hip bursitis only need to rest. Patients should avoid physical activities that put stress on the hip and may need to change their sleeping position for the same reason. Crutches can help patients navigate without irritating the inflamed bursa. Over-the-counter pain relief medications may be used to reduce inflammation during the healing process, or corticosteroid injections may be provided to address serious pain.

If the bursitis does not get better with conservative treatments, then surgery may be considered. The goal of surgical treatment is to remove or resect the inflamed bursa. This provides permanent relief from bursitis-related pain, allowing patients to return to normal activities.

Meet Our Team

Southlake Orthopaedics is home to a multi-specialty team of board-certified physicians and medical professionals, including sports medicine specialists, orthopedic physicians, surgeons, and more. These knowledgeable professionals collaborate to provide for every aspect of care, from diagnosis through surgery and rehabilitation. Meet our team here:

Michael Blum F., M.D.

George Robert Booker, M.D.

Michael T. Ellerbusch, M.D.

Richard L. “Beau” Grantier, M.D

Jonathan Isbell, M.D.

Dewey H. Jones, M.D.

Find Expert Treatment for Hip Bursitis Near You in Alabama

Living with hip pain is difficult, but it is not inescapable. If you or a loved one is struggling with pain that might be caused by hip bursitis, get in touch with Southlake Orthopaedics. Our multi-specialty team provides treatment at locations near you in Hoover and Birmingham-Grandview, AL, helping patients achieve less pain, more living. Contact us to learn more or to schedule an appointment.