Hip bursitis is a relatively common musculoskeletal health problem, especially among athletes. There are several bursae -- fluid-filled sacs that help reduce friction between tissues during movement -- around your hip joint that may become inflamed and painful, including your trochanteric, gluteus medius, iliopsoas and ischial bursae. Ask your doctor about the risks, benefits and limitations of diet and nutrition in treating your hip bursitis.
Hip Bursitis
Numerous factors may contribute to your hip bursitis, states the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, including overuse injuries, hip trauma, scoliosis, lower back osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and leg length discrepancies. Some of the most common signs and symptoms of this health problem include tenderness when your hip is pressed, pain that gets worse over time, hip pain that worsens with vigorous physical activity and pain that travels down the outside of your thigh.
An Appropriate Diet
Eliminating or reducing your consumption of processed and refined foods and sugar may be a helpful dietary strategy in treating your bursitis, states certified nutritional consultant Phyllis A. Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." Consider increasing your consumption of raw foods as well as foods that contain vitamin C, such as mango, strawberries, cantaloupe, papaya, pineapple, green peppers, sweet potatoes and winter squash. Turmeric, which possesses anti-inflammatory action, may also be helpful in treating your hip bursitis.
A Beneficial Food
Pineapple may be one of the most beneficial foods in treating your hip bursitis. Nutritionist and biologist George Mateljan, author of "The World's Healthiest Foods," states that pineapples contain a group of enzymes known as bromelain that perform two significant functions within your body: improve your digestion and reduce your inflammation. Pineapples contain numerous important nutrients, including manganese, vitamin C, thiamin, copper and pyridoxine. Pineapples encourage inflammatory balance and energy production and provide antioxidant protection.
Considerations
Hip bursitis, though not a life-threatening condition, can significantly impair your ability to perform your usual activities of daily living. This musculoskeletal health problem may best be managed by a licensed health-care provider. Both conventional medical treatments and complementary alternative treatments, including diet, may be helpful in resolving this problem. A larger body of scientific research evidence may be required to determine the true efficacy of certain foods historically used in treating bursitis.
References
- Sports Injury Clinic: Hip Bursitis
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Hip Bursitis
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
- "The World's Healthiest Foods"; George Mateljan; 2007
