The joints of the body are able to work properly with help from the bursa – small, fluid-filled sacs that cushion the bones, tendons, and muscles near each joint. The bursae reduce friction between bones and soft tissues and are located all throughout the body. Unfortunately, this means that bursitis, the inflammation of the bursa, can affect various joints of the body as well. Hip bursitis (also called trochanteric bursitis) occurs when the major bursa of the hip becomes irritated and inflamed. Hip bursitis is most common in women and middle-aged to elderly people and can cause serious pain in the hip area. An accurate diagnosis and proper treatment are crucial to a successful recovery and your ability to continue to participate in the activities you love.
Our orthopaedic hip specialists at OrthoGeorgia diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions and injuries affecting the hip, including hip bursitis. They will get to know you and formulate a personalized treatment plan based on your specific symptoms and help you find relief. Learn more about hip bursitis below, and contact the OrthoGeorgia clinic location nearest you for comprehensive orthopaedic care in Central GA.
What are the Symptoms of Hip Bursitis?
Hip bursitis can develop as a result of anything that irritates or damages the bursa. This condition often results from repetitive movements or playing sports that place stress on the hips (such as cycling or running). Falling or otherwise injuring the hip can also lead to bursitis. The most common symptom of hip bursitis is pain, which can have a variety of characteristics. Hip pain caused by bursitis may:
Affect the outside of your hip, the side of your upper thigh, or your buttock
Occur when you are lying on the affected side
Worsen when standing or after sitting
Worsen with movements that involve the hip (such as walking up stairs)
Feel sharp and intense at first, but become more like an ache over time
How is Hip Bursitis Diagnosed?
In order to diagnose hip bursitis, your doctor at OrthoGeorgia will start with a physical exam of your hip. They will examine the area and ask questions about your symptoms and medical history. In many cases, hip bursitis can be diagnosed using these methods alone. Additional testing may include imaging tests to rule out other potential causes of your pain. X-rays, which are available at all of our OrthoGeorgia clinic locations, can be used to exclude other potential hip injuries or conditions. Other tests, such as an MRI scan or ultrasound, provide your doctor with images of the swollen bursa to aid in the diagnostic process. Our offices in Macon and Warner Robins are equipped with MRI scanners that produce the images we need while keeping our patients as comfortable as possible. We are the only dedicated orthopaedic practice in Georgia to offer GE’s exclusive AIR Coil technology, which offers more comfortable and high-quality imaging.
Hip Bursitis Treatment in Central GA
Hip bursitis treatment normally begins with nonsurgical techniques. Surgery is not usually needed but may be recommended if conservative treatment methods have not provided pain relief. Whether your doctor recommends surgical or nonsurgical treatment techniques for your hip bursitis, we will ensure that you feel confident in your treatment plan.
Nonsurgical Treatment for Hip Bursitis
Many patients find relief from their symptoms with simple lifestyle changes. Your doctor will advise you to get adequate rest and avoid activities that make your symptoms worse. You may need to use an assistive device, such as a cane or crutches, or take NSAIDs and apply topical agents to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
Another core part of nonsurgical treatment for hip bursitis is physical therapy. Your doctor will have you work with a physical therapist so you can increase your hip strength and flexibility over time. You will learn how to safely stretch your hip muscles and prevent additional injuries in the future. OrthoGeorgia offers comprehensive, personalized physical therapy care in Macon, Warner Robins, and Kathleen. Our certified therapists work closely with our orthopaedic specialists to ensure that each patient receives the appropriate care. If nonsurgical treatment methods and lifestyle changes are not effective in relieving your symptoms, your doctor will talk to you about potential surgical options.
Hip Bursitis Surgery
Surgery is rarely needed in cases of hip bursitis. The bursae are normally able to heal on their own with conservative treatment methods. Surgical treatment may be recommended if you have tried various nonsurgical treatments and the hip bursa is still inflamed and painful. The hip can function without the bursa, so surgical removal of the inflamed bursa is usually the chosen method. Surgeons are now able to remove the bursa arthroscopically, using very small incisions over the hip. Arthroscopic surgery is less invasive than traditional surgical techniques, while also providing patients with a faster recovery time and less pain. It is important that you closely follow your surgeon’s post-surgical instructions in order to have a successful recovery.
Other Hip Conditions We Treat at OrthoGeorgia
Positive hip health is crucial to your daily life and comfort. At OrthoGeorgia, we are proud to work with patients of all ages and help them live and move more comfortably by providing an accurate diagnosis of their orthopaedic issue and creating a personalized treatment plan. Our orthopaedic hip specialties in Central GA include:
Macon
