Bursitis hip exercises
There are different types of hip bursitis. These types include trochanteric bursitis (pain on the side of the hip), ischialgluteal bursitis (pain at the base of the hips- the buttocks), and iliopectineal bursitis (pain in the groin). The amount of time that a person has bursitis depends on the cause of the bursitis. With treatment, many people feel better in about six weeks, but it may take longer for bursitis to heal. Causes hip bursitis: Constant pressure on the hips. This is often caused by standing or sitting on hard surfaces for long periods of time. Direct, hard hit to the hip. This may happen if there is a fall on the hip. Health problems such as scoliosis and arthritis. Infection. A leg length difference where one of the legs is shorter than the other. This may cause a limp. Overusing the hips. This is caused by doing activities or sports that use the same motions (movements) over and over again. Examples of repeating motions are running, climbing stairs or hills, and pedaling a bicycle. Past surgeries such as hip arthroplasty, or hip joint replacement. And sometimes people do not know how they developed hip bursitis.
The pain may be over the outside of the hip and thigh. The pain may be in the buttock and later move into the hip. The pain may also be in the groin with some milder pain in the opposite hip. Pressing on the hip or turning the hip and leg inward as one flexes the hip may make the pain worse. The pain may be worse when getting up from a deep chair or getting out of a car. A patient may have trouble sleeping because the pain may be worse at night. Pressing on the groin may make the pain worse. The hip may feel stiff and not be able to move as well as before. A person may hear a "pop" or "snap" as they flex or pull the leg up. Walking up stairs may be harder to do. A physician will examine the hip and ask questions about activities. A patient may need x-rays, bone scans or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These tests will show a picture of the bones and tissues inside the hip. Physicians can do these tests to learn if a patient has a fracture. They can look for bone spurs or joint and soft tissue problems. The most important part of treating bursitis is resting the hip while the bursa heals. Rest the hip as much as possible to decrease pain and swelling. Resting may also prevent the bursitis from getting worse. Avoid activities that make the pain worse, such as walking up stairs. Sitting on a cushioned chair or foam donut may help decrease the pain. When the pain decreases, begin normal, slow movements. Ice causes blood vessels to constrict (get small) which helps decrease inflammation (swelling, pain, and redness). Put crushed ice in a plastic bag or use a bag of frozen corn or peas. Cover it with a towel. Put this on the hip for 15 to 20 minutes, three to four times each day. Apply ice for two to three days or as long as the pain continues. Do not sleep on the ice pack because frostbite can develop. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine: These are also known as NSAIDs. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicine may help decrease pain and inflammation (swelling).. This medicine can be bought over-the-counter. But be careful... these medicines can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. Always read the medicine label and follow the directions on it before using this medicine. A shot of medicine called corticosteroid may be given to decrease inflammation. Doctors often add local anesthesic to the steroid. This combination of medicines helps decrease bursitis pain. Because these shots decrease swelling and pain, a patient may feel like the hip is healed and that they can return to heavy exercise. It is important not to exercise until the doctor gives their OK. Thebursitis could become worse if exercise starts too soon.
Physical therapists can do treatments to help the bursitis heal faster. These treatments include ultrasound to increase blood flow to the injured area. These include massage to stretch the tissue and bring heat to the injury which increases blood flow. A patient may slowly increase the amount of weight they put on the hip when doctors say it is OK. Its important to stop doing an activity if any hip pain develops. Exercises to stretch the hip muscles and tendons to make them stronger will be started after the bursitis has healed. Doctors may use a needle to drain fluid from the hip. Removing the extra fluid may help the bursitis heal faster. The fluid may be sent to a lab and checked for infection. You may be told to avoid sleeping on the side with bursitis. Sleep on your back or on the side without bursitis. You may want to place pillows between your knees when you lie on your side. You may need surgery to remove the bursa or parts of bone from the hip. Surgery is usually not needed unless the bursitis is very bad, and does not heal with other treatments. If you are overweight, your physician may ask you to lose weight to help decrease pressure on your hips. Wear flat shoes that are cushioned (padded) and comfortable. Ask your physician about the best shoes to buy. Avoid sitting or standing for long periods of time, especially on hard surfaces. Sit on padded surfaces such as cushioned chairs or a soft foam pad whenever possible. Do not lie on the hip with bursitis. Bend at the knees, not at the hips, when picking up objects from the ground. Ask your doctor what weight is right for you. Ask for information about eating a healthy diet to help stay at the best weight for you. Exercise is important for stretching your muscles and keeping them strong. Slowly start exercise such as bicycling when doctors say that it is OK. Do not begin running or other heavy exercise until you have no more pain, and your doctor says it is OK. Always warm up your muscles and stretch gently before exercising. Do cool-down and stretching exercises when you are finished. This will loosen your muscles and decrease stress on your hips. Rest between exercise sessions. Buy running or exercise shoes that fit your feet well. Talk to your physician or go to a special exercise footwear store to get well-fitting athletic shoes. Run or exercise on flat, even surfaces. Use orthotics if needed. Orthotics are shoe inserts that help line up your feet, legs, and hips correctly. Ask your doctor to help you decide which shoes lifts are best for you. Wearing a shoe lift may help you walk with less stress on your hip joint. Your physician may also ask you to use a cane. Rest your hip, use ice treatments and take NSAIDs as directed by your physician.
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