Hip bursitis is a common condition that can cause significant discomfort and interfere with daily activities. This inflammatory condition affects the bursae, small fluid-filled sacs that act as cushions between bones, tendons, and muscles. When these bursae become inflamed, they can cause pain and limit mobility. So, let’s explore this condition further. What signs should you watch out for?
1. Pain on the Outer Hip
The most common and often the first sign of hip bursitis is pain on the outer part of the hip. This pain typically manifests as a sharp ache or burning sensation on the outer portion of the hip, specifically over the bony point known as the greater trochanter.
Initially, the pain may be intense and widespread, covering a larger area of the outer thigh. As the condition progresses, the pain might become more concentrated on the bony prominence of the hip. Many people describe this pain as deeper and more intense than the general muscle soreness you might feel after exercise.
2. Increased Pain with Activity
Another telling sign of hip bursitis is that the pain tends to worsen with certain activities. You may notice increased discomfort when walking, especially for extended periods, climbing stairs, or standing for long durations.
Running or other high-impact activities can exacerbate the pain significantly. Even seemingly simple movements like getting up from a seated position or lying on the affected side in bed can trigger or intensify the pain. This activity-related pain occurs because movement causes friction between the inflamed bursa and the surrounding tissues, leading to increased irritation and discomfort.
3. Stiffness and Reduced Range of Motion
Hip bursitis often leads to stiffness in the affected hip, particularly after periods of inactivity. You might find it challenging to move your hip freely, especially first thing in the morning or after sitting for extended periods.
This stiffness can result in a reduced range of motion in the hip joint. You may struggle with activities that require full hip movement, such as putting on socks or shoes, getting in and out of a car, or bending to pick something up from the floor. The inflammation in the bursa can cause the surrounding muscles to tighten as a protective mechanism, further contributing to this stiffness and limited mobility.
4. Warmth and Swelling around the Hip
In some cases of hip bursitis, you may notice warmth and swelling around the affected area. The inflamed bursa can cause the skin over the outer hip to feel warmer to the touch compared to the surrounding areas or the opposite hip.
Swelling may also be visible or palpable, although it’s often subtle and might be more noticeable to a healthcare professional during examination. This warmth and swelling are direct results of the inflammatory process occurring in the bursa and surrounding tissues.
5. Pain that Spreads Down the Thigh
As hip bursitis progresses, the pain may not remain localized to the hip area. Some individuals experience pain that radiates or spreads down the outer thigh, sometimes extending as far as the knee.
This referred pain occurs because the inflamed bursa can irritate nearby nerves, causing pain signals to travel along the nerve pathways. The pain might feel like a dull ache or a burning sensation along the outer thigh. This spreading pain can sometimes be mistaken for other conditions, such as sciatica, which is why a proper diagnosis from a healthcare professional is crucial.
6. Difficulty Sleeping on the Affected Side
One of the more frustrating signs of hip bursitis is difficulty sleeping on the affected side. The pressure placed on the inflamed bursa when lying on that hip can cause significant discomfort, making it challenging to find a comfortable sleeping position.
Many people with hip bursitis find themselves waking up frequently during the night if they accidentally roll onto the affected side. This sleep disruption can lead to fatigue and irritability during the day, further impacting quality of life. Some individuals might find temporary relief by sleeping with a pillow between their knees or using specialized hip pillows designed to alleviate pressure on the affected area.
Chiropractic Care & Hip Bursitis
Chiropractic care offers a non-invasive, drug-free approach to managing hip bursitis that can provide significant relief for many sufferers. Chiropractors take a holistic view of the body, understanding that issues in one area can affect overall function and alignment. When it comes to hip bursitis, chiropractic care focuses not just on alleviating the symptoms but also on addressing the underlying factors that may have contributed to the condition.
At New Life Chiropractic, your Montrose chiropractor is here to help! Book your appointment with us today and pave the way toward a pain-free life.
