Hip Bursitis: Common Causes and Preventative Measures

Often referred to as trochanteric bursitis, hip bursitis occurs when a fluid-filled sac known as a bursa becomes inflamed. When functioning normally, bursa create a gliding surface at the spot where muscles and tendons slide across the bone. But when inflamed, the bursa can be very tender and painful. 

Although bursitis can easily be treated with ice, medication, rest and physical therapy Connecticut, it is wise for those at risk of the condition to take preventative measures. 

A thorough understanding of typical hip bursitis causes is essential in order to prevent the condition from occurring in the future. Highlighted below are a few common causes of bursitis in the hips.

Prolonged Sitting

In today's office-based workforce, it is common for individuals to sit long hours, and, when finished with the workday, return home and sit even more. Unfortunately, all that sitting can quickly lead to hip problems, including bursitis. Sitting on hard surfaces for extended periods of time can prove especially damaging, so those who must sit at work or at home are advised to opt for soft, ergonomic furniture.

Hip Surgery

Surgery around the hips can irritate bursa near the greater trochanter. This occurs frequently for older patients who receive hip implants. Although a hip implant can greatly enhance mobility and even address some causes of hip pain, it also can lead to another, potentially unforeseen source of hip pain: bursitis. Often, the bursitis is related to the formation of scar tissue in the aftermath of the procedure, and, after a period of rest, may go away on its own.

Arthritis of the Hip

Arthritis is a common risk factor for bursitis in multiple regions, including the hip. The joint issues associated with arthritis often put increased strain on the bursa, which, in turn, leads to the pain of bursitis. The best way for those diagnosed with arthritis to avoid accompanying bursitis is to complete recommended treatments, including regular attendance at physical therapy New Haven. This will minimize the stress placed on the bursa and reduce the risk of inflammation.

Bursitis of the hip can be very painful, but fortunately, a variety of treatments prove useful in reducing or completely eliminating this discomfort. Those who suspect they have developed bursitis are advised to contact trusted medical professionals, who can set them on the correct treatment regimen.

Various Reasons to Plan a Physical Therapy Appointment in Connecticut

As an athlete, whether one that plays for a professional sports team or just does so in their spare time, pain and injuries are practically inevitable. Runners, bodybuilders, and anyone else who enjoys regular physical activity also have to take precautions. 

While stretching and listening to body responses can be helpful, sometimes the worst happens and one hurts themselves. The damage often isn't a broken bone but rather sore or torn muscles or ligaments. It's extremely painful, and depending on the severity of the injury, may take a while to heal.

The first thing that an athlete should do when they believe that they've suffered from a sports injury is stop whatever activity they're doing. Even if this is in the middle of a competition, talk to a coach and explain the situation. Playing through the pain is only likely to aggravate the wound even further, prolonging recovery. 

Next, get off the body part. Rest it and apply ice to it regularly. Don't use that particular body part for the rest of the day and several days after that as well. Most minor injuries will heal with ice and some time off. Over-the-counter NSAIDs can reduce the aches an athlete will experience.

However, what if ice and time doesn't do the trick? Or, worse yet, what if a nagging injury that an athlete thought has healed keeps irritating them? These are just two scenarios in which working with a physical therapy Connecticut may be best. 

If an athlete notices that their OTC NSAIDs only put a small dent in the discomfort or the pain has gotten worse and is now shocking and stabbing and not calm and manageable, it's time to book an appointment with a physical therapist as soon as possible.

There are a variety of newer treatment methods that some physical therapists employ to heal the body part. These may include platelets or even stem cells. Besides that, these doctors can prescribe painkillers and teach the athlete small stretches and exercises that they can do when the pain begins building up. 

As bad as an injury may feel to the athlete, by spending some time with a trained physical therapist, they will find that their pain begins to drop down to normal levels before vanishing entirely. 

Most of the time, these physical therapy New Haven centers want to avoid sending the athlete to a surgeon. After all, a procedure under the knife can be life-altering and disrupt an athlete's playing schedule and life for some time.