A Look At Different Techniques Used For Hip Bursitis Treatment
Bursitis is a condition that is characterized by painful swelling of the bursae. The bursae are the fluid-filled sacs that offer cushioning to the tendons, muscles and ligaments. Under normal conditions, bursae help the ligaments, tendons and muscles to glide smoothly over the bones. However, when they get swollen, it causes the area around them to become tender and painful. A specific type of bursitis known as the Trochanteric Bursitis causes swelling of the bursae located in the hip region. Bursitis can affect the hip, shoulder, elbow and knee joints of the body. The symptoms of bursitis may be chronic or acute.
There are a number of ways in which hip bursitis treatment can be carried out. These include medications, antibiotics, injections, physical therapy and surgery. Let’s have a look at these treatment procedures closely.
Medications:
The standard medication for hip bursitis treatment is NSAIDs or Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory drugs. Certain specific anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen, aspirin, cox-2 inhibitors and naproxen can help to reduce inflammations and swelling, thus relieving the pains people may experience with hip bursitis.
Antibiotics:
If the patient is affected by septic Trochanteric Bursitis, then he or she needs to be treated with antibiotics. The type of antibiotic that is used for treating the condition may depend on the microorganism that is responsible for the infection. Generally most men and women who have septic bursitis are treated effectively with oral antibiotics. If the condition becomes more critical over time, they the patient may require hospitalization along with intravenously delivered antibiotics.
Aspiration for draining the bursa:
Sometimes the hip bursa can get significantly swollen and cause major pains. If that is the case, the doctor may recommend draining or aspirating the bursa with the help of a needle. The numbers of cases where aspiration is required are rare. Patients are administered with a cortisone injection during the actual procedure.
Corticosteroid injections:
If the symptoms associated with hip bursitis cannot be treated successfully with rest, physical therapy and NSAIDs, then corticosteroid injections can be used for the same purpose. As the affected bursa is rooted deep beneath the skin, a doctor may administer the injections with the help of ultrasound.
Physical therapy:
The doctor can prescribe regular physical therapy for strengthening or stretching the hip muscles, which in turn may help to treat the bursitis symptoms and reduce the chances of any future instances of bursitis.
Bursectomy:
A bursectomy is carried out by making an incision at the hip to remove the affected bursa. Some doctors may perform a procedure called Arthroscopic Bursectomy that can reduce the risk of complication, as well as shorten the healing period.
Tendon repair along with iliotibial band release:
If the hip bursitis develops as a result of issues with the iliotibial band or any other tendons, surgery may be used for correcting the problem. The tendon can be repaired and reattached to the Greater Trochanter. Such a surgery can also be done alongside a bursectomy.
Osteotomy of the Greater Trochanter:
While carrying out an osteotomy, a surgeon may cut off 5 mm to 10 mm of the Greater Trochanter bone that has been protruding out. Such an adjustment can significantly reduce the stress and friction associated with hip pain.
