Hip bursitis can be quite a debilitating condition which presents as pain laterally on the hip (on the outside). People suffering from bursitis often complain of pain at night (especially when lying on that side), when standing up from bed or from a chair and when lifting the leg away from the body (hip abduction).
Daily activities such as standing on one leg to put pants on, walking, and going up and down stairs also become painful.
What is hip bursitis?
Bursa are fluid filled sacs found around all the joints in the body. Their job is to prevent friction between our tendons and the bone and to provide some cushioning. If we are loading our joints “incorrectly”, these bursa can get irritated and inflamed which is what brings on the pain.
Why is your bursa getting overloaded?
Figuring out why the bursa is getting overloaded is the first step towards treating the problem. Some possible causes are:
- Sitting cross-legged for hours on end
- A dramatic and recent increase in the amount of exercise you do
- A life event such as moving house
- A holiday that had a lot of walking, hiking or going up and down stairs
These things can contribute to hip bursitis as well as weaknesses around the pelvis and hips which your physiotherapist can help you to find.
What can I do to relieve symptoms?
To help relieve your symptoms, try using a massage ball to help release your glutes. In order to eliminate your pain, it is important to gradually increase your strengthening. Your physiotherapist will tailor exercises to suit your needs and continue to progress these over the course of your treatment so that your symptoms do not continue to flare up.
What other conditions can cause pain in my hip?
There are many things that need to be considered when diagnosing hip bursitis. The best way to get to the bottom of your pain is to visit a health professional such as a Physiotherapist. They might find that another structure is causing your hip pain, such as:
- Pain referral from the back
- Hip joint osteoarthritis
- Gluteal tendinopathy
- Hip flexor pain
In short, there are many structures that can cause pain in your hip. A correct diagnosis is important to develop the most appropriate treatment plan for you. If you have any questions or if you would like to chat about your hip pain, please contact us on 4724 0768 or at reception@physionorth.com.au and talk to one of our friendly Physiotherapists.