Sports Medicine - Hip

Hip Bursitis

Definition:

A bursa (bursae, plural for bursa) is a fluid-filled sac that functions as a gliding surface to reduce friction between tissues within the body. The bursa serves to protect the body from further injury and is generally located adjacent to tendons near large joints such as the hip, knee, shoulder, and elbow. When a bursa becomes inflamed, the condition is known as "bursitis". Most commonly, bursitis is caused by an injury to the bursa from local soft tissue trauma or a muscle sprain. Bursitis can be caused by a non-infectious condition ("aseptic bursitis") or can be caused from an infectious condition ("septic bursitis"), especially when an injury is associated with a break in the skin overlying the bursa. There are two major bursae within the hip, which can be associated with pain, stiffness, and disability. The trochanteric bursa is located on the side of the hip and the ischial bursa is located in the lower buttock area, where a person sits.

Common Symptoms:

Trochanteric bursitis frequently causes tenderness and pain directly over the side or lateral aspect of the hip. It can be difficult for a patient to sit or sleep on the hip that is affected. The pain can radiate into the buttock and down the side of the thigh. The pain can be improved with exercise and physical activity. Ischial bursitis can cause sharp or dull pain in the lower buttock area, which can be worse going up and down stairs. The pain can sometimes occur after prolonged sitting on hard surfaces, hence the names, "weaver's bottom" or "tailor's bottom".

Diagnosis:

Bursitis of the hip is diagnosed by your physician with a careful history and physical examination. X-rays are occasionally needed to rule out for other causes of hip pain such as arthritis and sciatica. In addition, and MRI can also be helpful for further assessment.

Treatment Options:

Treatment of bursitis of the hip can include anti-inflammatory medications, weight loss program, rest, ice, and physical therapy. Surgery is rarely performed for bursitis alone unless there is an infection present causing septic bursitis. A steroid or cortisone injection into the bursa can be very effective and is generally administered in the physician's office under local anesthesia.