Hip Bursitis Treated Near Colts Neck, NJ

Hip bursitis is an inflammatory condition that affects small, fluid-filled sacs (bursae) in the hip joint. Positioned as cushions between bones and soft tissues, the bursae help reduce friction during movement. Bursitis can result from repetitive stress or a traumatic injury.

In the hip joint, two bursae are especially prone to irritation and inflammation: the greater trochanter bursa, which covers the bony point of the hip bone, and the iliopsoas bursa, which is located on the inside of the hip.

What Does Hip Bursitis Feel Like?

Usually, the first sign of hip bursitis is pain that originates at the point of the hip and radiates through the outer thigh. The pain may be sharp and intense at first, then gradually transition to a dull ache that spreads across the entire hip. Some people find that their discomfort worsens:

• When they walk, squat, climb stairs, or stand up from a seated position
• When they lie on their affected hip
• At night

If you have symptoms of hip bursitis, you can have your condition promptly evaluated by the team of board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons at Advanced Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine Institute (AOSMI) near Colts Neck, New Jersey.

How Is Hip Bursitis Treated?

An accurate diagnosis is the first step toward effective treatment for hip bursitis, mainly because other hip conditions, such as tendinopathy and tears in the gluteus medius (hip muscle), can produce similar symptoms. At AOSMI, we find that many people who are diagnosed with hip bursitis can find sufficient pain relief by:

• Resting and modifying their activities
• Using a cane, crutches, or another walking aid
• Taking over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) as needed to reduce painful inflammation

Additionally, a targeted exercise program can improve the symptoms of hip bursitis by increasing the strength and flexibility of the hip joint. Toward that end, a physical therapist at AOSMI may suggest specific stretches and exercises as well as other nonsurgical treatments, such as hot/cold therapy, therapeutic massage, and ultrasound therapy.

To address severe pain caused by hip bursitis, powerful corticosteroid medication can be injected directly into an inflamed bursa. This treatment, which can be performed in our office, can provide lasting (but temporary) symptom relief. If the pain and inflammation return, another injection or two may be administered a few months apart. Although hip bursitis can usually be treated conservatively, surgery may be considered to relieve persistent pain and inflammation by removing an affected bursa.

The AOSMI team includes hip specialists who have the focused expertise needed to diagnose and treat hip bursitis. To learn more or schedule an appointment at our sports medicine center near Colts Neck, NJ, contact us today.