I am battling the hip ache blues! Six months ago, I started having pain in my hips. I was walking fine, but when I would get up in the morning, I would have the worst pain on the outside of my hips. It was so bad that I could barely make it to a chair to rest.
Thinking it was just hip arthritis, I tried to medicate it and ice on each side. The back and neck pain I experience pales in comparison to the painful hips. Naturally, I looked it up on Google and found some stretches that seem to help the pain. The Hip Rotator Stretch has made a big difference.
This is all good information, but what causes hip bursitis, and how can I get rid of it?
This blog post will cover the causes of hip bursitis, its symptoms, and how to treat it. Woo Hoo! Let’s get started:
What is Hip Bursitis?
According to the American Orthopedic Surgeons, “bursitis is inflammation of the bursa. Two major bursae in the hip typically become irritated and inflamed. One bursa covers the bony point of the hip bone called the greater trochanter. Inflammation of this bursa is called trochanteric bursitis.”
What Causes Hip Bursitis
Overuse
Athletes who engage in repetitive hip movements, such as running, cycling, or excessive walking, are more likely to develop hip bursitis.
Since I don’t drive, I have walked everywhere I needed to go. Now, at almost 72, my hips are feeling the pain.
As you get older, the bursa sacs can naturally degenerate, which can cause pain and inflammation.
Weakness in the Hip
I’ve noticed that I don’t always sit up straight, and poor posture can lead to weak hip muscles. Weak hip flexors can also tilt the pelvis, affecting posture and leading to lower back pain.
Other causes of weak hips include a lack of exercise, prolonged sitting, and osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis can also cause weakness in the knees, hamstrings, and buttock muscles.
Symptoms of Hip Bursitis
I had pain on the outside of both hips, and that is the most common symptom. You may also feel the pain spreading down the thighs. Other symptoms may include:
- Hip Swelling
- Pain After Physical Activity
- Feeling Achy or Stiff
Consult a Medical Professional
Start with your doctor, who can perform range-of-motion exercises to pinpoint the painful area. He can make referrals as needed for physical therapy or to another specialist.
Treatment Options
Many patients recover in about 6 weeks, but others may take up to 12 weeks. To speed things along, you can try physical therapy. A physical therapist does an initial evaluation to pinpoint pain and weakness. You can do exercises in the gym and at home, or if you prefer, water aerobics can be very effective and keep the pressure off your joints.
Other treatment options include:
Rest
Avoid any activities that cause hip pain. Walking indoors or out is good exercise. If you have balance problems, walk on a treadmill with no incline. Stop immediately if you experience pain.
Ice or Heat
Ice is very effective at reducing inflammation, so I used two extra-large ice packs to have one for each hip. Now, a heating pad seems to work better, so try both and see which gives you the most pain relief.
Medication
Take OTC NSAIDS such as Motrin or Aleve to relieve pain and swelling.
Cortisone Injections
If you’re still experiencing swelling and pain, you may need a steroid injection such as cortisone. This can be very effective, but if not, you may try another injection in a few months.
Lifestyle Modifications
When you walk, make sure that you’re on level ground—anything too uneven, such as a hiking trail, can compound the pain. Avoid any high-impact running or jumping routines. Use a cane if necessary to take pressure off your hips.
Conclusion
My hips are still painful, but now with rest and stretching, I am getting better at controlling the pain. If you think you have hip bursitis, call a healthcare professional ASAP. Early intervention and appropriate care are key to managing hip bursitis pain.
