Bursitis of the hip

Bursitis of the hip is an annoying complaint. It involves experiencing a sharp pain on the side of the hip. This makes walking painful. It is also difficult to lie on your side. Are you curious to learn more, such as its causes and treatment? Then feel free to read on. We will be happy to explain.

What is bursitis of the hip?

Bursas are pockets of fluid that keep bones and tendons from rubbing against each other. This reduces friction between tendons and bones. If these bursae start to inflame, it is called bursitis. Bursitis can occur in various parts of the body, including the hip. Bursitis of the hip is also known as 'bursitis trochanterica'.

The cause of bursitis of the hip

Bursitis of the hip can have several causes. The most common cause is overuse. This may be due to reduced stability of the hip as the muscles around the hip tire quickly. Furthermore, bursitis can be caused by:

• Trauma of the hip
• Back pain (due to osteoarthritis or scoliosis)
• Leg length difference
• Rheumatism
• An altered walking pattern
• A previous operation on the hip
• Reduced quality of the tendon

The symptoms

The symptoms of bursitis of the hip can vary, but there is almost always pain on the outside of the hip. This pain gets worse if you lie down on the affected side. Sometimes, however, even when lying on the other hip. The pain may radiate along the outer side of the thigh up to the knee. Getting up from a chair, walking for a longer time, climbing stairs and squatting can also be painful.

Treatment

If overuse is the case, it is important to reduce the strain on the hip. It is then important to reduce the activities that cause symptoms. Once the worst pain has subsided, you can gradually start building up the load again. You can do this, for example, by taking a short walk or cycling. You can also do exercises to strengthen the hip muscles (sometimes also the back muscles) and stretch the tendons. Usually, this inflammation disappears on its own.