Bursitis refers to the inflammation of the bursae—the small, fluid-filled sacs that cushion and help the bones, ligaments, tendons, and muscles near the joints glide smoothly during all kinds of movements.
The hip is one of the joints particularly prone to bursitis. The condition commonly affects the two major bursae in the hip: the trochanteric and iliopsoas bursae. Hip bursitis can either be acute, coming on suddenly with sharp pain on the outside of the hip; or chronic, evolving as a continuous dull ache in the same spot. Gout, infection, and engaging in activities that involve repetitive hip movements are the most common culprits in hip bursitis.
If you’re experiencing sharp, shooting, and debilitating pain, swelling in your hip, and fever, you should consider seeking proper treatment from an orthopedic specialist. Hip bursitis, when left untreated, can lead to a buildup of calcium deposits in the soft tissues around the hip, resulting in permanent loss of function in the area.
Here are some of the treatment methods your orthopedic specialist will use to address your hip bursitis.
Conservative Interventions for Hip Bursitis
Hip bursitis generally responds to self-care measures, such as rest, ice, and taking over-the-counter medications. However, if you can’t get relief from any of these, your orthopedic specialist will turn to any or a combination of the following options to mitigate your symptoms:
- Antibiotics- In addition to prescription anti-inflammatories, your orthopedic specialist may also give you antibiotics if your hip bursitis is caused by an infection.
- Physical therapy- Your orthopedic specialist may refer you to a physical therapist, who will employ a combination of stretching, strengthening, and movement retraining activities aimed at relieving pain and helping restore normal function in your hip.
- Cortisone shots- Your orthopedic specialist may also administer cortisone shots, possibly as an adjunct to your physical therapy program, to achieve the best results. Cortisone shots usually work quickly. In many cases, one shot is all you need.
- Assistive device-Your orthopedic specialist may also recommend that you use an assistive device, such as a cane, to help reduce the pressure on your hip.
Surgical Treatment for Bursitis
If you’re experiencing intractable hip pain, your orthopedic specialist will usually recommend surgery to remove or drain the affected bursa.
Hip arthroscopy is becoming an increasingly popular technique for addressing hip bursitis. During the procedure, your orthopedic specialist will create two or more small incisions, among which is where they will insert the arthroscope (a tiny viewing instrument with a light source and video camera on its tip) to guide the surgical instruments and eliminate the affected bursa.
Where Can I Find Hip Bursitis Treatment Near Me?
For comprehensive, high-quality hip bursitis treatment in North Dakota, visit any of the offices of The Bone & Joint Center. Our team of highly skilled board-certified orthopedic surgeons has established a strong reputation for delivering exceptional treatment outcomes and the best patient experience.
To schedule a consultation with one of our orthopedic surgeons, call us at (800) 424-2663. You may also request an appointment here. We have eleven locations at which to serve you: Bismarck (our main office), Dickinson, Beulah, Garrison, Hazen, Linton, Hettinger, Minot, Turtle Lake, Williston, and Wishek.
