A bursa is a small, jelly-like sac that holds a small amount of fluid. These structures are located throughout the body and act as cushions between the bones and overlying soft tissues. When a bursa becomes inflamed, the condition is known as bursitis. In order to diagnose hip bursitis, the orthopedic specialist will perform a complete physical examination. He may also perform additional tests to rule out other conditions or injuries. These include bone scanning, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and X-rays.
What are the symptoms of hip bursitis?
Hip bursitis causes pain in the groin area. The pain usually extends to the outside of the thigh region, and is described as sharp and intense in the early stages. The pain becomes more of an ‘aching’ later on and spreads out along the thigh and hip. Many complain that the pain is worse at night, when getting up from a sitting position, or when lying on the affected hip.
What are the risk factors for hip bursitis?
Although hip bursitis is more common among women, it can affect almost anyone. Also, middle-aged persons and the elderly are more commonly affected. Some risk factors associated with hip bursitis include:
Hip Injury – An injury to a certain area of the hip can occur when you fall on the hip, lie on that side for an extended period of time, bump the hip on the edge of a table, or fall on the hip.
Repetitive Stress – This is known as “overuse” injury, and it occurs when stair climbing, bicycling, running, or standing for long periods of time.
Spine Disease – People with spine problems are at risk for hip bursitis. This includes arthritis, scoliosis, and other disorders.
Leg-Length Inequality – When one leg is shorter than the other by an inch or more, it could affect the way you walk and lead to bursitis of the hip.
Previous Surgery – The bursa can become inflamed from surgery of the hip or prosthetic implants.
Rheumatoid Arthritis – This condition leads to more inflamed bursa.
Bone Spurs or Calcium Deposits – These may develop inside of the tendons that attach to the upper portion of the femur.
How is hip bursitis treated?
The orthopedic specialist will first try to treat your hip condition with conservative measures. Many people with bursitis of the hip can achieve pain relief with simple lifestyle modifications. This involves avoidance of activities that worsen symptoms, the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), and the use of crutches or a cane on occasion. Also, the doctor may recommend that you see a physical therapist for a short period of time to help the condition.
In extremely rare cases of hip bursitis, surgery may be recommended. This surgery removes the bursa either with an incision or with arthroscopy. Again, this bursa removal is very rarely recommended.
Snapping Hip Syndrome
Snapping hip syndrome is a disorder that is depicted by a snapping sensation and by an audible ‘popping’ sound when the hip is extended and flexed. This condition can be sometimes diagnosed with an X-ray of the hip, but occasionally, the orthopedic specialist must obtain an MRI to look for the problem.
What is the cause of snapping hip syndrome?
There are many causes of this condition, but it is most commonly due to tendons catching on bony prominences and making a snapping sound when the hip is moved. There are three basic causes for snapping hip syndrome. These include:
Iliotibial Band Snap – The iliotibial band is a wide, thick tendon that is on the outside of the hip joint. When the iliotibial band snaps over the bony prominence over the outside of the hip joint (known as the greater trochanter), this creates the snapping hip syndrome.
Iliopsoas Tendon Snap – The Iliopsoas tendon is the main hip flexor muscle and the structure that passes just in front of the hip joint. When this tendon catches on a bony prominence of the pelvis, a snap occurs with hip flexion.
Hip Labral Tear – This is the least common cause of snapping hip syndrome. It occurs with a tear of the cartilage within the hip joint. When the hip is moved, the loose flap of cartilage catches within the joint creating an audible ‘pop’.
How is snapping hip syndrome treated?
Many cases of snapping hip syndrome can be treated with a short course of anti-inflammatory medications. Sometimes the orthopedic specialist finds it necessary to inject the hip with a cortisone medication. In certain cases, the doctor will recommend physical therapy to stretch out the muscles and tendons and help correct the problem.
While surgery is not always necessary, those patients with severe symptoms that persist over extended periods of time may be candidates. The surgery is done to relax the tendons and remove cartilage that is damaged or torn. Snapping hip syndrome surgery is safe and beneficial for many who suffer with this condition.