Hip bursitis is an injury that occurs to the bursa sac of the hip. The bursa sac is a jelly-like cushioning pad that sits at the hip joint and helps prevent trauma and joint damage. Bursa sacs can be damaged from a number of causes, resulting in inflammation of the sac. This is not as bad as when a bursa sac breaks and requires surgery for repair, but bursitis can still be uncomfortable and require some rehabilitation to restore it to health.
Causes
The most common cause of hip bursitis is excessive stress resulting in an injury. This occurs through activities which use the hip joint and iliotibial band frequently, such as running and bicycling. Blunt force injuries may also develop in the hip joint, such as when you fall or get hit in the hip. Prior surgeries, rheumatoid arthritis, spine disease and bone spurs can also cause bursitis to occur, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
At-Home Treatment
It's possible that you can rehabilitate your hip bursa sac simply by making a few short-term changes. If the bursitis results from a specific activity causing stress to the location, abstain from that activity until the bursitis heals. Take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, to reduce inflammation and pain in the bursa sac. You may want to use a walking aid or even a wheelchair if you need to get around but experience pain when walking. This will also help your bursitis heal more quickly.
Post-Surgery Rehab
Surgery is usually not needed unless the bursa sac breaks, but eve if you do undergo surgery your rehab will not be strenuous. Because the bursa sac tends to heal on its own, your primary concern is leaving the sac alone and reducing stress on the location. Consider using crutches to alleviate stress on the sac. You should be able to walk shortly after the surgery, but limit your time spend on your feet for a few days until the soreness subsides.
Prevention
The primary goals in preventing future bursa sac damage, including bursitis, is avoiding the influences that caused it to occur in the first place. Some people can benefit from losing weight, and providing general exercise to the hips and legs can keep the muscles strong and better protect the hips and bursa sacs.
