Osteoarthritis is a well-known term, and often synonymous with joint pain.  Bursitis is also a common cause of joint pain, but is not as well known.

Our bodies have several mechanisms that assist the efficient, life-long movement and articulation between our bones and tissues.  One of these mechanisms is fluid-filled cushions known as bursa, that are strategically positioned throughout many joints in the body, including the shoulder, knee, and hip.  Bursa are present to prevent excessive friction from being produced when tendons rub back and forth over bones.  If soft tissues irritate the bursa, they can become inflamed; this is known as bursitis.

When hip pain is occurring, because there are two bursa surrounding it which could possibly be irritated or inflamed, this could be the cause.  Many patients will have acute, sharp pain over the lateral part of the hip that they can typically identify precisely where it is occurring.   

Different activities can lead to bursitis of the hip, the most common being repetitive actions such as stair climbing. It is common among women and the elderly but bursitis could affect people of any age. 

At Chattanooga Non-surgical Orthopedics there are several treatment options for hip bursitis depending on the frequency and severity of your symptoms.  Obviously, we may recommend weight loss and specific strengthening exercises, but we have a number of specifically targeted options for each individual patient and their need. Surgery is not a recommended treatment option for bursitis.

While bursitis can be temporary and resolve spontaneously for some patients, it can also become a chronic issue that needs ongoing symptomatic treatment.  If you are experiencing hip pain and would like to be evaluated for potential bursitis, contact us at 423-499-0003 to schedule an appointment.

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