Bursitis
Arizona Orthopedic Surgery Solutions for Bursitis
What is Bursitis
Hip bursitis, also known as greater trochanteric pain syndrome, is a form of chronic hip pain. A bursa is a sac filled with synovial fluid to assist with friction reduction among tissues that move against each other. Bursitis is when a bursa becomes inflamed. While usually noninfectious, they can become infected and inflame to the point of rupture. Trochanteric bursitis disturbs the outside of the front of the hip while Ischial bursitis affects the buttock region. Initially, the pain will be strong and sharp and turn into a dull, aching pain throughout the hip, most often increasing in discomfort in the evening. It is normal for pain to get worse with extended periods of walking, squatting, climbing stairs, and sitting. Reoccurring stress injury, hip injury, spine disease, prior surgery, uneven leg-length, bone spurs and calcium deposits, as well as rheumatoid arthritis can all lead to hip bursitis.
Bursitis Diagnosis
Your doctor will ask about your complete medical history before conducting a thorough physical examination. A doctor will ask what symptoms you’re experiencing and how long they have been prevalent. They will also ask what motions agitate the injury as well as if you’ve treated the pain on your own to any avail. During the physical examination, the doctor will note where the sensitivity specifically lies in the hip. X-rays can eliminate bone spurs or fractures as a cause for pain while an MRI will examine the soft tissue for any other possible medical ailment(s).
Bursitis Treatment - Non Surgical
Rest is always recommended to prevent further agitation of the bursitis. Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be used to relieve pain and swelling. Stretching and physical therapy exercises will increase range of motion and strengthen muscles in and around the hip. Applied heat will promote blood flow while applied ice will reduce swelling. An anesthetic or Cortisone injection can be used to rapidly cutback severe pain and inflammation. Sometimes, a cane or crutches can be helpful during the week or two of rest.
Bursitis Treatment - Surgical
Surgery can be an open or arthroscopic procedure. Open surgery is traditional surgery, where arthroscopic is when a small camera is inserted inside tiny incisions along the hip to guide their instruments. As arthroscopy is less intrusive, recovery is faster with less discomfort. Fortunately, both open and arthroscopy operations are outpatient procedures, meaning the patient can return home and sleep in their own bed within a few hours. Crutches or a cane may be useful for several days following the surgery, however the stiffness goes away within a few a days.
