Running is a cardiovascular activity that offers many benefits for your health. Increased self-esteem, weight maintenance, weight loss, prevent of heart disease and stroke as well as the prevention of diabetes are all benefits of running. Running can also take a toll on your body --- including your hips. Running can cause hip bursitis. However, running is not the only cause of hip bursitis.
Hip Bursitis
The National Institutes of Health indicates that bursitis is the inflammation of fluid-filled sacs known as bursa. Your bursa lie between your skin, tendons and bones, and help to provide cushioning to your joints. In your hips, bursitis can occur at the bony point of your hip known as the greater trochanter. The greater trochanter is responsible for the movement of your hip point. Hip bursitis can also occur between your hip and groin. However, this type of bursitis is less common.
Causes
There are many different risk factors when it comes to your chances of developing hip bursitis. Repetitive stress placed on your hip as the result of running, cycling or standing for extended periods of time can lead to hip bursitis, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Experiencing a hip injury, having a spinal condition or rheumatoid arthritis can increase your chances of developing hip bursitis. Prior hip surgery and leg-length discrepancies are also a contributing factor.
Symptoms
Pain is the main symptom of hip bursitis, according to the AAOS. Pain usually occurs at the top portion of your hip but may also experience to your thigh. At first, pain may be sharp and intense. As inflammation increases, pain may be more of an ache and less frequent. Pain tends to intensify with walking, squatting, stair climbing, lying on your hip and getting out of a chair.
Treatment
If you suspect hip bursitis from running --- or for any other reason --- you should make an appointment with your physician. A medical history and physical examination are often all that is needed to diagnose hip bursitis. Treatment for hip bursitis can include avoiding the activities that trigger pain --- such as running. Anti-inflammatory medications as well as assistive walking devices --- such as crutches --- can also be useful as you recover. Your doctor may also suggest a steroid injection or physical therapy. Surgery is rarely required for hip bursitis.
