Hip bursitis causes pain over the outside of the upper thigh. The condition refers to a bursa, which is a fluid filled sac that makes it possible for efficient motion between two uneven surfaces. When the bursal sac over the outside of the hip becomes inflamed, it can’t do its job effectively, making it painful to move.
Symptoms of Hip Bursitis
Pain, tenderness, swelling and/or stiffness due to an increase of inflammation in the hip bursa, usually occur with increased or prolonged activity such as walking, running, or climbing. Hip bursitis is most often due to over use in the presence of joint restrictions, tight and taught muscle, and poor biomechanics of the hip, low back, and lower leg.
Inflammation of this bursa can be secondary to tight IT bands, tight hip flexors and quads, as well as tight gluteal muscles. These tight muscle can cause undue stress on the joints and the bursa increasing the friction and abrasion to that particular area.
Other causes may be poor biomechanics coming from the foot, ankle, knee, hip, pelvis, or lower back. The human body moves by a series of joints and muscles working together to accomplish a task in the most efficient way it can. Poor mechanics lead to inefficiencies and increased tension and friction on the joints and bursa of the body.
Although rare, the hip bursa can become infected with bacteria, referred to as septic bursitis. This happens when the hip bursa becomes inflamed by crystals that deposit from gout and other forms of Arthritis.
Rehab Tips
Initially, using ice packs often (3-4 times per day) for no more than 15 minutes per time, will help reduce inflammation. Specific stretches, 2-3 times a day or as tolerated, will speed up the healing process as well.
These specific stretches relax the taught muscles, decrease the pressure on the joints associated with those muscle groups, increases the blood flow and nutrients to the area, as well as realign these muscle fibers in a more appropriate functional manner.
Strengthening exercises learned through therapy will allow an increase in blood flow, assist in flushing out the toxins in the muscles and joints, as well as strengthen and stabilize the area for more proper biomechanics.
If you need treatment for hip bursitis in Knoxville, TN, call us today to schedule an appointment.