13 Mar Hip Bursitis: How to Manage Pain and Prevent Future Injuries
What is hip bursitis?
Hip Bursitis is the inflammation of the bursae, fluid-filled sacs in the joints that cushion tendons, ligaments, and muscles, allowing them to move smoothly over bones. In the hip, two major bursae can become inflamed, one near the bony point of the hip and the other on the pelvis, with the hip bone bursa being more commonly affected. This inflammation can cause pain, discomfort, and limited mobility. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, an orthopedic in Westchester can assess your condition and create a tailored treatment plan to address your needs.
How do you get hip bursitis?
Hip bursitis can result from mechanical issues like repetitive motion or overuse from activities such as running, biking, or stair climbing, as well as from hip injuries, bone spurs, unequal leg lengths, spine conditions, or previous hip surgeries. It can also be linked to inflammatory or medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, or infection. Understanding the underlying cause of your hip bursitis is vital for effective treatment, which may differ based on whether it’s due to repetitive strain or an inflammatory condition. If you’re prone to any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to consult with an experienced orthopedist in Westchester to accurately diagnose and manage your condition.
Prevention
While hip bursitis can’t always be prevented, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of worsening inflammation. Maintaining a healthy weight, getting custom shoe inserts to correct leg length discrepancies, and keeping your hip muscles strong and flexible can all help. It’s also important to avoid activities that put excessive stress on the hip joint and to properly warm up before engaging in sports or physical activities. Taking breaks to rest your hips and working with a physical therapist to develop a strength-building workout routine can also help prevent future injuries. See an orthopedist in Westchester for more information.
Handling pain caused by hip bursitis
Bursitis often improves independently with time, and conservative treatments like rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain relievers can help alleviate discomfort. However, additional treatment may be necessary if these measures don’t provide relief. We understand that hip bursitis can be painful, but an orthopedist in Westchester can help assess your condition and recommend a personalized treatment plan to ease your symptoms and get you back to feeling better.
- If the inflammation in your bursa is due to an infection, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to treat it.
- Physical therapy or targeted exercises can help strengthen the muscles in the affected area, relieving pain and reducing the risk of future flare-ups.
- A corticosteroid injection into the bursa can help reduce pain and inflammation in your shoulder or hip. This treatment typically provides fast relief, and in many cases, a single injection is sufficient.
- Assistive devices like using a walking cane or another supportive device temporarily can help reduce pressure on the affected area.
- Surgery is necessary in some cases, an inflamed bursa may need to be surgically drained, though surgical removal of the bursa is rarely required.
How the New York Sports Medicine Institute can help
The hip, like other joints such as the knee or elbow, can be affected by trauma, overuse, poor conditioning, or a simple accident, with pain often being the first sign that something is wrong. The hip is the body’s largest ball-and-socket joint, able to bear a great deal of weight and pressure, and relies on a cushion of cartilage to allow smooth movement. If you’re experiencing hip pain, our top-rated orthopedic surgery department can help identify the cause and determine the best treatment, including surgery when necessary, to restore function and relieve discomfort.
Contact Us
Contact the New York Sports Medicine Institute for an appointment with an orthopedist in Westchester. Our team is ready to diagnose and treat your hip pain with expert care.