HIP BURSITIS

What is hip bursitis?

Bursae are tiny sacs filled with fluid that cushion muscles, tendons, and bones in joints. They are found in parts of the body where soft tissues and bones are in close proximity to one another, such as the hips, knees, and shoulders. As a result of the fluid within the bursae, joints can move smoothly and with less resistance. Hip bursitis is a disorder that develops when the bursa in the hip joint gets inflamed. The hip contains two large bursae that frequently experience irritation and inflammation. You’ll find the iliopsoas bursa on the groin side of the hip, whereas trochanteric bursitis affects the other bursa on the larger trochanter.

What are the typical reasons for hip bursitis?

Several factors can contribute to hip bursitis, including:

• Arthritis – Hip bursitis may be more likely to occur in those who have osteoarthritis or other types of arthritis.
• Medical conditions – Hip bursitis is more likely to occur due to several illnesses such as gout, infections, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis.
• Poor posture – Hips tipped forward while standing for extended periods, for example, might increase pressure on the bursa and cause inflammation in the area.
• Repetitive motions – Inflammation of the bursa can result from overusing the hip joint, such as when running, jumping, or repeatedly twisting the hip.
• Trauma – The bursa may become inflamed if the hip joint sustains an injury.

How do I know I suffer from hip bursitis?

Hip bursitis can cause an array of symptoms, and these include:

• Limited mobility
• Limited range of motion
• Pain
• Stiffness
• Swelling
• Tenderness
• Warmth in the skin over the affected area

How does Dr van Niekerk check for hip bursitis?

Dr van Niekerk may order blood tests or drain fluid from inflamed bursae for the sample to be analysed in the laboratory. An MRI or ultrasound is sometimes required if a physical exam alone does not offer results.

How do you treat hip bursitis?

Depending on how bad the condition is, non-surgical and surgical methods are frequently used to treat hip bursitis. Rest, activity modification, ice, pain medication, physical therapy, assistive devices, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, and corticosteroid injections are examples of non-surgical therapies. Hip bursitis surgery is typically only advised in severe cases that do not improve with non-surgical therapies. Surgery is done to eliminate the inflamed bursa and have the hip joint working normally again. The bursectomy, which entails removing the troubled bursa, is the most popular surgical treatment for hip bursitis. Usually, minimally invasive methods are used for this, such as arthroscopy, which entails making tiny skin incisions to introduce surgical equipment. In other instances, a more extensive incision can be required if the bursa is deep inside the hip joint.

What is recovery like after a bursectomy?

Bursectomy is frequently carried out as an outpatient procedure, allowing the patient to leave the hospital and return home the same day. However, in some circumstances, a night in the hospital could be advised for monitoring and treating any postoperative discomfort or other symptoms. You should anticipate a brief time of rehabilitation following surgery. After surgery, getting up and moving around that evening is acceptable. Most patients discover that using a cane or crutches for a few days is beneficial. Your recovery will involve physical therapy, medications, rest, and a customised exercise programme. Dr van Niekerk and a physiotherapist will likely schedule numerous follow-up consultations to monitor your progress and ensure the hip is healing appropriately.