The bursa is a tiny, fluid-filled sac found in joints--including the hip--to help provide a cushion for bones and tissues, and alleviate friction inside the joints. However, the bursa can sometimes become inflamed, leading to a condition called bursitis. Bursitis of the hip may occur from arthritis, an injury or trauma from a surgery on the hip. Calcium deposits or bone spurs that form in the hip can also lead to inflammation, as can too much use of or stress on the hip joint.
Treatment Steps
Step 1
Before you can begin treating hip bursitis, you must first get a diagnosis, which can typically be obtained via a thorough physical examination and an X ray of the hip joint. Once your doctor diagnoses the problem and the extent of the inflammation, treatment recommendations can be made.
Step 2
Alter daily activities. The first step in treatment is to relieve strain and pressure on the sore and inflamed hip. Hip bursitis pain can be managed by skipping any activities--whether it's exercise or daily chores like vacuuming or doing laundry--to allow inflammation to heal and pain to subside. You may even need to use a pair of crutches or a cane to help you get around during healing.
Step 3
Medications can help reduce inflammation. Prescription or over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like naproxen, celecoxib and ibuprofen are an important part of hip bursitis treatment. Corticosteroids may also be injected into the hip joint to relieve pain and inflammation.
Step 4
Consider physical therapy. This often recommended treatment has provided great relief for many people with hip bursitis. Physical therapy may involve exercises and stretches, as well as hot and cold therapy to the hip joint.
Step 5
Explore surgical options. Non-surgical treatments most often remedy hip bursitis, but depending on the severity of the bursitis, sometimes surgery is indicated. If inflammation of the bursa continues, the bursa itself can be surgically removed or drained with no damage to the hip joint or its ability to function.
Tips and Warnings
- Try non-surgical options before agreeing to have surgery. Give hip bursitis treatments some time to work before trying other options--it typically takes at least a few weeks before symptoms are relieved. Prevent bursitis by maintaining a healthy body weight, keeping muscles in the hip strong and avoiding overuse of and strain on the hips.
- Do not take NSAID medications long-term, and talk to your doctor before taking them. NSAIDs may cause side effects in people with certain health problems.
Things You'll Need
- Crutches or a cane
- Corticosteroid injections
- Anti-inflammatory medications
