Hip Bursitis

Hip Bursitis

Hip bursitis is the inflammation of the fluid pockets that surround the hip joint.  The job of the bursa (Fluid sacs) is to cushion your ligaments, tendons and muscles and help them glide over bone.  When the bursa becomes swollen then the area around them becomes tender and painful.

The most common bursa in the hip area to become inflamed is the Greater Trochanteric bursa.  It is located over the bony point of the hip and the pain is found on the outside of the thigh area.  Less common is the Lliopsoas bursa, which is located on the inside of the hip and affects the groin area.

Although hip bursitis is more common in women and people between 40-60 it can affect anyone.  People who do repetitive activities, have a hip injury, rheumatoid arthritis or lower back pain are most commonly at risk.

There are two stages of treatments for bursitis.

In the beginning when the bursitis is flared up, it is best to rest the joint as much as possible.  Also during this time doing things such as ice packs to reduce swelling, K-Laser therapy to help drain the swollen area, and chiropractic adjustments or acupuncture to help release the restricted range of motion in the area will all reduce the healing time.

Once the pain has decreased it is important to stretch the hip flexor and extension muscles as well as strengthen the muscles that support the hip area to reduce the chance of further flare ups.

For more information call the clinic at 519-676-3311.