Dealing with constant hip pain can be frustrating—especially when it starts to interfere with simple things like walking, sitting comfortably, or getting a good night’s sleep.
For many people, hip bursitis is the culprit. It’s a common (and painful) condition that can really put a damper on your daily life. The good news? Once you recognize the signs, there are natural ways to manage it. Chiropractic care is one approach that many people turn to for relief, helping them move better, feel better, and get back to doing what they love. So, let’s take a closer look!
What Is Hip Bursitis?
Hip bursitis occurs when the bursae—small, fluid-filled sacs that cushion the bones, tendons, and muscles near your joints—become inflamed. These bursae act as natural shock absorbers, reducing friction between moving parts of your body. When they become irritated or inflamed, they can cause significant pain and discomfort.
There are two primary types of hip bursitis:
- Trochanteric bursitis (which affects the outer part of the hip)
- Iliopsoas bursitis (which affects the inner groin area)
Both types can interfere with your daily activities and require proper attention for effective management.
Common Signs of Hip Bursitis
Recognizing the signs of hip bursitis early can help you seek appropriate care and prevent the condition from worsening. So, here are eight common indicators that you might be dealing with hip bursitis:
1. Pain on the Outside of the Hip
The most distinctive sign of trochanteric bursitis is pain on the outer side of the hip. This pain might extend down the outside of the thigh and can be sharp initially, later developing into an ache that spreads across a larger area.
2. Pain That Intensifies With Activity
You may notice that your hip pain worsens during or after activities like walking, climbing stairs, or standing for extended periods. This increased discomfort occurs because these movements put additional pressure on the inflamed bursa.
3. Tenderness When Touching the Hip
The affected area may feel tender to the touch. Pressing on the hip might cause discomfort or pain, which is a direct result of the inflammation in the bursa.
4. Pain When Lying on the Affected Side
Many people with hip bursitis experience increased pain when lying on the affected hip, which can significantly disrupt sleep patterns and contribute to fatigue and irritability during the day.
5. Stiffness After Sitting
After sitting for an extended period, you might experience stiffness in the hip joint. This stiffness typically improves with movement but can make the initial steps after sitting particularly uncomfortable.
6. Warmth and Redness
In some cases, the skin over the affected hip may appear red and feel warm to the touch. These signs indicate active inflammation in the area and should not be ignored.
7. Pain That Radiates Down the Leg
The pain from hip bursitis may not stay localized. It can radiate down the outside of the thigh, sometimes extending to the knee, creating discomfort throughout the entire leg.
8. Limping or Altered Gait
To avoid pain, you might unconsciously adjust your walking pattern, resulting in a limp or altered gait. This compensation can lead to additional problems in your knees, ankles, or back over time.
How Chiropractic Care Helps Hip Bursitis
If you’ve been dealing with nagging hip pain, especially near the outer part of your hip, it could be hip bursitis. This condition can make everyday activities—like walking, sitting, or even sleeping—a real challenge.
However, chiropractic care offers a gentle, drug-free way to manage your symptoms and help your body heal naturally. And it all starts with a thorough assessment. A chiropractor will look at your posture, movement patterns, and spinal alignment to figure out what’s really going on—not just where it hurts. From there, treatment often includes specific spinal and hip adjustments to restore balance and reduce pressure on the inflamed bursa. These adjustments can improve joint mobility and bring relief, sometimes even after the first session.
If hip bursitis is holding you back, now’s a great time to take the next step. At Keystone Chiropractic, we create personalized treatment plans to help you move better, feel better, and get back to doing what you love. Your Plano chiropractor is here to help! Book your appointment with us today.
