Care for Hip Bursitis in Northern California
Bursae are fluid-filled sacs that cushion tendons, ligaments, and muscles, allowing for smooth, frictionless joint movement. When the bursae become inflamed, irritated, and swollen, and their function is hampered, the condition is called bursitis.
There are two major bursae in the hip that can become inflamed and irritated — one covers the bony point on the hip bone, and the other is on the pelvis. The hip bone bursa is more likely to cause problems.
Find a Doctor at Dignity Health North State who can diagnose, and provide relief for your symptoms of hip bursitis in Northern California. We can tell you more about your hip condition and our personalized care.
Identifying Hip Bursitis Symptoms
The exact signs and symptoms of hip bursitis depend on which bursa is causing discomfort. Hip pain, stiffness, tenderness, swelling, and warmth are the general symptoms. If the bursa in the hip bone is affected, you will feel symptoms in the hip and the thigh. Symptoms felt in your groin are caused by the bursa on the pelvis.
Bursitis seems to cause the greatest amount of discomfort at night, especially if you are lying on the hip. Pain can become worse with extended periods of walking or sitting.
What Causes Hip Bursitis?
Repetitive motion or overuse injuries are the most common causes of hip bursitis. Activities that require repetitive motion include running, biking and stair climbing for an extended time.
Hip injuries, bone spurs, spine conditions, unequal leg length, and inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, are additional causes of hip bursitis. Previous hip surgery can also be a cause of irritation of the bursa.
Prevention & Treatment of Hip Bursitis at Dignity Health North State
Treatment strategies focus on relieving pain and swelling, as well as preventing future hip joint damage and bursitis attacks.
Your Dignity Health North State doctor will likely recommend one of several nonsurgical therapy options at the start of your treatment. These include prescribed anti-inflammatory drugs and rest for the affected hip. Crutches or a cane can help relieve pressure and prevent further irritation, allowing for healing to occur.
If rest and medication does not provide relief, your doctor may recommend corticosteroid shots. In rare instances, your doctor may recommend surgery to remove the inflamed bursa.
The doctors, nurses, and staff at Dignity Health North State provide unparalleled care to treat the whole person, not just the condition. Learn more about the services we provide at our Northern California hospitals:
Dignity Health North State offers expert care for orthopedic conditions, including hip bursitis, in Mt. Shasta, Red Bluff, and Redding, CA.