Bursitis is inflammation of a bursa. Bursa is a fluid filled sac which acts as a cushion between tendons, bones, and skin. Bursitis at the hip is inflammation to the bursa that lies on top of the greater trochanter, a protuberance on the femur. The bursa often becomes irritated due to muscle rubbing against the femur. This injury can occur from running, walking, or bicycling.
Symptoms
- Pain and tenderness on the upper outer area of your thigh
- Pain can be worse when walking down stairs, walking, and bicycling
Diagnosis
Your physician will evaluate your injury by taking a complete medical history, including mechanism of injury, prior injuries and symptoms. Your physician will perform a complete physical examination of your hip.
Treatment
- Rest
- Avoid activities that cause you pain
- Use ice for 20 minutes on with 40 minutes off throughout the day
- Take an anti-inflammatory or pain medication prescribed by your physician
- An injection of a corticosteroid into the bursa to reduce inflammation
Prevention
Stretch and warm up properly before exercising or beginning activity.
