Found around the joints throughout the body are small sacs that have a jelly-like consistency and help to reduce friction while moving. These are called bursae (singular is bursa), and they are notably located around the shoulders, elbows, hips, and knees.
For various reasons, a bursa can become irritated and inflamed. This condition is called bursitis, and in the hip area it occurs either at the greater trochanter area in the outer hip (trochanteric bursitis) or the groin area (iliopsoas bursitis).
What Causes Hip Bursitis?
Hip bursitis can have many different causes, including:
- Hip bone spurs
- A hip injury from a fall or from bumping against a hard object
- Overuse injury to the hip joint that may be a result of running, rock climbing, and hiking activities
- Prolonged lying down on one side
- Bad posture possibly due to spine conditions such as arthritis or scoliosis
- Uneven leg length
- Infection of the bursa
- Reaction to prosthetic implants in the area
Symptoms of Hip Bursitis
The primary symptom of hip bursitis is hip pain, which may range from a dull ache to a sharp, shooting pain. The location and intensity of the pain is highly influenced by which bursa is affected.
However, whether it is trochanteric bursitis or iliopsoas bursitis, patients report feeling a worsening of hip pain at night and after prolonged inactivity. Your doctor will be able to distinguish where your hip bursitis is located via various testing methods.
Trochanteric Bursitis Pain Symptoms
- Pain on the outer part of the hip, thigh, and buttock
- Pain when getting up, sitting down, or lying on the affected hip
- Pain when pressing on the affected side
- Pain that worsens with physical activity
- Pain when going up the stairs
Iliopsoas Bursitis Pain Symptoms
- Pain over the front of the hip or in the groin region
- Swelling and inflammation in the same area
- Stiffness and a decreased range of motion of the hip
- Weakness in the hip area
- Pain that worsens by performing activities such as walking and climbing the stairs
If left untreated, hip bursitis symptoms will only get worse, and the pain or weakness may radiate down the thighs and knees. Fortunately, it is one of the most common orthopedic problems that respond well to physiotherapy or physical therapy.
Orthopedic Urgent Care in Clinton Township, MI
Here at Movement Orthopedics, we are pleased to offer same-day or next-day treatment for a wide variety of musculoskeletal conditions, and we also provide physical therapy services. Whether you are experiencing pain or movement issues due to a sports injury, arthritis, or bursitis pain, our orthopedic experts are ready to serve you in our Clinton Township office.
If you have any questions or would like to request an appointment with Dr. Jeffrey Carroll, call our caring staff today at (586) 436-3785 or fill out our easy-to-use appointment request form online now. We look forward to helping you get past the pain and back to the active lifestyle you love!
