Hip Bursitis
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.
AMBULATORY CARE:
Hip bursitis
is inflammation of the bursa in your hip. The bursa is a fluid-filled sac that acts as a cushion between a bone and a tendon. A tendon is a cord of strong tissue that connects muscles to bones.
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Common signs and symptoms of hip bursitis:
- Pain on the side of your hip or at the base of your hips when you sit down
- Decreased movement or stiffness of your hip
- Crunching or popping when you move your hip
- Redness or swelling of the skin on your hip
Call your doctor if:
- Your pain and swelling increase.
- Your symptoms do not improve with treatment.
- You have a fever.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Treatment
may include any of the following:
- Medicines:
- NSAIDs , such as ibuprofen, help decrease swelling, pain, and fever. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If you take blood thinner medicine, always ask your healthcare provider if NSAIDs are safe for you. Always read the medicine label and follow directions.
- Aspirin helps relieve pain and swelling. Take aspirin exactly as directed by your healthcare provider.
- Antibiotics help fight an infection caused by bacteria.
- Steroids help relieve pain and swelling. Steroid injections are given directly into the painful area. Steroid pills may be given for a short time.
- Surgery may be needed to remove your bursa or part of your elbow bone. Surgery is only done when other treatments do not work.
Manage hip bursitis:
- Rest your hip as much as possible to decrease pain and swelling. Slowly start to do more each day. Return to your daily activities as directed.
- Apply ice to help decrease swelling and pain. Use an ice pack, or put crushed ice in a plastic bag. Cover the bag with a towel before you place it on your elbow. Apply ice for 15 to 20 minutes, 3 to 4 times each day, as directed.
- Do not lie on your injured hip. You may be more comfortable if you sleep on your stomach or back.
- Go to physical therapy, if directed. A physical therapist teaches you exercises to help improve movement and strength, and to decrease pain. If you play sports, the therapist can show you ways to run or jump that will help prevent hip bursitis.
Prevent hip bursitis:
- Do not overuse your hips. Shorten the time you spend running, climbing stairs, or riding a bike. Take breaks as you do these activities. Try not to do the same activities each day. For example, run every other day or every 3 days instead of daily.
- Stretch, warm up, and cool down. Always stretch and do warm-up and cool-down exercises before and after you exercise. This will help loosen your muscles and decrease stress on your hip. Rest between workouts.
- Wear proper shoes. Wear shoes that fit properly and support your feet. You may need to wear shoe inserts called orthotics. Orthotics help position your foot correctly as you walk or exercise.
- Maintain a healthy weight. Ask your healthcare provider what a healthy weight is for you. Ask him or her to help you create a weight loss plan if you are overweight.
- Keep pressure off your hips. Do not stand or sit for long periods of time. Sit on padded surfaces, such as a cushion or pad, whenever possible. Do not sit with your legs crossed. Bend your knees when you pick up objects from the ground.
Follow up with your doctor as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Further information
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