The most common causes of bursitis are:
Repetitive motions or positions that put pressure on the bursae around a joint. Examples include:
- Throwing a baseball or lifting something over your head repeatedly
- Leaning on your elbows for long periods
- Extensive kneeling for tasks such as laying carpet or scrubbing floors
- Other causes include injury or trauma to the affected area, inflammatory arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and infection.
Symptoms may include:
- Joint pain and tenderness
- You may also see swelling and feel warmth around the affected area
- The pain is often sharp in the first few days. It may dull later
- You may notice it more when you are getting out of a chair or bed
- You may also notice it when sitting for a long time and when sleeping on the affected side.
Acute bursitis usually flares over hours or days. Chronic bursitis can last from a few days to several weeks. Chronic bursitis can go away and come back again. Acute bursitis can become chronic if it comes back or if a hip injury occurs.
“Over time, the bursa may become thick, which can make swelling worse. This can lead to limited movement and weakened muscles (called atrophy) in the area,” says Dr Yogesh.
Can hip bursitis be prevented or avoided?
You can avoid getting bursitis by:
- Not putting too much strain on your hips
- Avoid activities that are especially difficult or painful
- Take breaks to rest your hips
- When you exercise, remember to warm up your muscles and then stretch to prevent injury
- If you’re overweight, losing weight can help reduce pressure on your joints, including the hips
- People with hip bursitis should also avoid exercising on inclined surfaces and stairs, especially running hills, until symptoms have resolved
