Hip Bursitis Treated by Orthopedic Specialists in Arlington, VA
Hip bursitis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the small, gel-filled sacs (bursae) positioned between the bones in the hip joint. Serving as effective cushions, the hip bursae prevent bone-on-bone contact and reduce friction during movement.
The most common symptom of hip bursitis is pain that originates in the hip and extends through the outer thigh. The pain may be sharp and shooting or dull and constant. Many people find that their discomfort worsens at night, when they lie on their affected hip, when they stand up from a seated position and/or when they walk for an extended period. If you are experiencing symptoms of hip bursitis, you can receive personalized treatment from the board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons at Nirschl Orthopaedic Center in Arlington, Virginia. Our renowned team includes hip specialists Farshad Adib, MD, Derek H. Ochiai, MD and Clay Wellborn, MD.
What Causes Hip Bursitis?
Hip bursitis can affect anyone. It may develop as a result of:
- Repetitive stress
- A traumatic injury
- Osteoarthritis
- Bone spurs
- Leg-length inequality
Typically, the diagnostic process for hip bursitis includes a comprehensive physical examination with a focused evaluation of the hip area. Imaging studies, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and bone scans, can help a physician rule out other conditions and injuries.
How Is Hip Bursitis Treated?
In most cases, hip bursitis is treated conservatively. Many patients are able to find sufficient relief through a combination of activity modifications, physical therapy, steroid injections and/or a walking aid, such as a cane or crutches. Usually, surgery is considered only to address severe symptoms that do not respond to non-surgical treatment.
If you would like to explore your treatment options for hip bursitis, contact Nirschl Orthopaedic Center at (703) 525-2200 to schedule an appointment with a hip specialist in Arlington, VA.