bursitis

What is a Bursitis?

Hip Bursitis is an inflammation of the bursa, a small fluid-filled sac that acts as a cushion between bones and soft tissues around the hip joint. The most common type is trochanteric bursitis, which affects the bursa located on the outer part of the hip.

Mechanism of Injury:

Hip bursitis often develops due to repetitive stress or overuse of the hip joint, commonly seen in activities such as running, cycling, or standing for long periods. It can also result from direct trauma to the hip, like a fall, or from underlying conditions such as arthritis or a leg-length discrepancy, which can alter gait mechanics and place extra stress on the hip bursa.

Symptoms

Hip Pain: A sharp or burning pain on the outer part of the hip, which may extend to the thigh or buttock. The pain is often worse when lying on the affected side, walking, or climbing stairs.
Tenderness: Tenderness to touch over the outside of the hip, especially around the greater trochanter.
Swelling: In some cases, visible swelling may occur over the affected bursa.
Stiffness: A feeling of stiffness in the hip, making it difficult to move the leg or rotate the hip comfortably.

Treatment

Assessment: A thorough examination to assess hip movement, palpate the bursa, and rule out other causes of hip pain. Imaging may be used to confirm the diagnosis.
Dry Needling: Targeted at surrounding muscles to reduce tension and alleviate pain associated with hip bursitis.
Ultrasound Therapy: Applied directly to the inflamed bursa area to reduce swelling and promote healing.
Massage: Focused on the hip and surrounding muscles to relieve tightness and improve circulation, helping to reduce inflammation.
Hot Stones: Applied to the hip area to relax the muscles and ease stiffness.
Cupping: Used around the hip to enhance blood flow, reduce muscle tension, and alleviate pressure on the bursa.
Reassessment: Regular monitoring of pain levels, hip flexibility, and bursa inflammation post-treatment.
Rehabilitation Plan: Includes stretching and strengthening exercises tailored to the hip, focusing on improving flexibility, stabilising the hip joint, and correcting any biomechanical issues that may have contributed to the development of bursitis. Recommendations may also include modifying activities to reduce stress on the hip.

Pre-hospital treatment is generally not necessary for hip bursitis unless pain is severe. Early management includes rest, ice application to reduce inflammation, and over-the-counter pain relievers to manage symptoms.