Bursitis hip occurs when the bursa becomes inflamed. Bursae are tiny fluid-filled sacs that cushion the structures near your joints and reduce movement friction. Bursitis commonly affects the hips of women and middle-aged individuals, which makes it difficult to move the upper torso and lower legs. It can develop because of injury, overuse, spinal abnormalities, degenerative conditions, or surgical complications. Fortunately, there are some bursitis hip treatment options available to you.
Bursitis Hip Treatments
The hip bursitis treatment you will need depends on whether the bursa is infected. Aseptic bursitis is inflammation caused by soft-tissue trauma or strain injury. You might experience localized pain and tenderness, but there is no infection. On the other hand, septic bursitis happens when the bursa gets infected by harmful bacteria. Let’s go through the treatment options for both types.
RICE Therapy
You can resolve most minor cases of aseptic bursitis with rest. If you have painful swelling around joints, follow the RICE method (rest, ice, compression, and elevation). Avoid strenuous physical activity to give your body time to heal and prevent further injury.
Apply ice for the first 48 hours after symptoms to reduce swelling. Before you sleep, consider putting a pillow under your hips to cushion the joint.
Pain Medication
If the pain refuses to go away with rest, your doctor may prescribe pain medications as part of your bursitis hip treatment. Over-the-counter drugs like ibuprofen and naproxen can relieve pain and swelling. You may take them orally or apply them topically.
Corticosteroid Injections
If oral or topical drugs don’t work, your doctor may recommend corticosteroid injections. During this procedure, your doctor directly injects the medication into the affected bursa. This treatment works quickly to relieve pain and usually only requires one injection.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy uses non-drug methods such as exercise, massages, and physical training. These treatments speed up healing after a musculoskeletal injury. For bursitis hip treatment, your physical therapist will recommend specific exercises and stretches. They will improve circulation and increase your range of motion. They may also recommend muscle-strengthening and flexibility exercises.
If your bursitis comes from overuse due to athletics, your physical therapist can spot and correct errors in your form and technique. Besides administering treatment for acute injuries, they can also teach proper body mechanics. These changes reduce pressure on your joints and limit the risk of injury.
Antibiotics
If you have septic bursitis, your doctor will recommend antibiotics as part of your bursitis hip treatment. A bursa becomes infected when harmful bacteria enter through a break in the skin. If it becomes infected, you may experience chills or feel feverish.
Surgery
In rare cases, an infected bursa needs to be surgically drained and removed in a bursectomy. Surgery is only an option in severe cases when conservative treatment options have no impact. After surgery, your doctor will likely recommend physical therapy as part of your rehabilitation plan.
Bursitis Hip Treatment In Bismarck, ND
In most cases, the symptoms of bursitis resemble other medical conditions like arthritis. Joint pain, swelling, and tenderness are symptoms shared by several other conditions. Performing a self-diagnosis may prevent you from getting the timely and appropriate care you need.
When in doubt, it’s best to seek professional help. For top-notch musculoskeletal care, visit The Bone & Joint Center. Our board-certified bone and joint specialists can perform a thorough medical assessment and craft a customized bursitis hip treatment plan based on your needs. We also offer help with conditions like carpal tunnel and ACL tears. If your bursa needs to be surgically drained, you can rest easy at the hands of our orthopedic surgeons.
To learn more about our services, call us today at (800) 424-2663 or fill out our online appointment request form. We have several locations across North Dakota to serve all your orthopedic needs. Give us a call today, and let us help you move freely again!
