Causes | Risk Factors | Management Options | Conclusion
Overview
Bursitis is the inflammation of bursae, small jelly-like sacs found throughout the body.
In the hip, there are two primary bursae that can become inflamed, causing pain and discomfort.
One, known as the trochanteric bursa, is found over the bony point of the hip bone, while the iliopsoas bursa is located inside the hip, near the groin. Inflammation of these bursae is termed trochanteric bursitis and iliopsoas bursitis, respectively.[2]
Keep reading to find out more about bursitis, the causes, its prevalence, and management options.
Causes
The underlying causes of hip bursitis vary. Trochanteric bursitis can be due to repetitive microtraumas, such as those sustained during activities like running, cycling, or exercise, or even from tendinopathies of the surrounding musculature.
Gross trauma, like a fall, can also directly inflame the bursa. Some cases might even occur idiopathically, without a discernible cause.[1]
Moreover, bursitis can result from conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, previous hip surgeries, bone spurs, or calcium deposits that can irritate the bursa.[2]
Risk Factors
Hip bursitis can affect individuals of any age. However, it is more prevalent in women and the middle-aged or elderly population. Younger individuals and men are less frequently affected.
Risk factors for developing hip bursitis include repetitive stress injuries from activities like running or stair climbing, injuries to the hip area, spine diseases like scoliosis, leg-length inequality, and certain medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.[2]
Management Options
Treatment for hip bursitis primarily focuses on non-surgical interventions. Initial treatments often include:
- Activity Modification: Avoid activities that exacerbate symptoms.
- NSAIDs: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen or naproxen can help manage pain and control inflammation.[2]
- Physical Therapy: Exercises to stretch the IT band, improve hip flexibility, or increase strength can be beneficial. Other therapeutic interventions include massage, heat, or ultrasound.[2]
- Corticosteroid Injections: In some instances, steroids might be injected into the inflamed bursa for pain relief.[1]
- Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT): This can be a viable alternative to traditional nonoperative treatments.[3]
In cases where non-surgical treatments are ineffective, surgical excision of the trochanteric bursa might be considered.[1]
Conclusion
Hip bursitis is a painful condition caused by the inflammation of the bursae in the hip region.
While it can result from various causes, including trauma, overuse, or underlying medical conditions, most cases can be effectively managed through nonoperative treatments.
Early diagnosis, comprehensive treatment, and patient education ensure optimal outcomes.
References:
- Reid D. (2016). The management of greater trochanteric pain syndrome: A systematic literature review. Journal of orthopaedics, 13(1), 15–28. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jor.2015.12.006
- Speers, C. J., & Bhogal, G. S. (2017). Greater trochanteric pain syndrome: a review of diagnosis and management in general practice. The British journal of general practice : the journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners, 67(663), 479–480. https://doi.org/10.3399/bjgp17X693041
- Ramon, S., Russo, S., Santoboni, F., Lucenteforte, G., Di Luise, C., de Unzurrunzaga, R., Vetrano, M., Albano, M., Baldini, R., Cugat, R., Stella, G., Balato, G., Seijas, R., Nusca, S. M., Servodidio, V., & Vulpiani, M. C. (2020). Focused Shockwave Treatment for Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome: A Multicenter, Randomized, Controlled Clinical Trial. The Journal of bone and joint surgery. American volume, 102(15), 1305–1311. https://doi.org/10.2106/JBJS.20.00093
