What Are the Treatments for Hip Bursitis?
Bursitis is a condition caused by inflammation of a bursa, which is a fluid-filled sac that cushions joints. The inflammation causes pain and swelling and limited range of motion and movement in the affected joint. Individuals of all ages can be affected by hip bursitis, which is associated with conditions such as injury, a disease process or infection. Treatments for hip bursitis range from old-fashioned yet effective home remedies to over-the-counter or stronger medications to treat symptoms.
Other People Are Reading
-
R.I.C.E.
-
Relieve pain and inflammation caused by hip bursitis by performing RICE. RICE stands for Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation. Rest the affected area, which means keeping off your feet as much as possible during flareups. Place an icepack on the sore hip several times a day, but don't leave ice or heat on any body part for more than 20 to 30 minutes at a time. Placing a compression bandage (such as an elastic bandage) over the affected area may offer relief, followed by elevating the hips and thighs on a pillow so that blood doesn't pool in the pelvic area.
Medication
-
Treat pain and inflammation of bursitis in the hip through the use of over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Follow directions for use found on package labels. In some severe cases of hip bursitis, your doctor may suggest a corticosteroid to promote and accelerate the reduction of inflammation. For cases of bursitis caused by an infection, the doctor will also prescribe antibiotics.
-
Exercise
-
Reduce pain caused by stiffness by exercising between flareups. Physical therapy or a non- or low-impact exercise routine helps strengthen hip joints, provide stability and increase flexibility and range of motion. Therapists recommend that patients walk short distances with the aid of a crutch or cane when necessary to maintain blood flow and circulation and to keep the joint limber.
Recovery
-
Recovery from hip bursitis depends on its severity and what caused the bursitis. Repetitive use may hamper the healing process, such as climbing stairs or standing for a long period of time. The same applies to hip bursitis caused by a hip injury or some type of spinal disorder or disease, as well as rheumatoid arthritis or bone spurs. Surgical treatment of hip bursitis is rarely recommended, but noninvasive procedures using an arthroscope can be performed on a outpatient basis. In most cases, this type of surgery, or recovery from flareups of hip bursitis, may resolve in a couple of days, and for many, in less than a week. You may want to avoid high-impact activities for a few days after a flareup, but do walk around to keep the joint from stiffening up.
-
