Hip Pain

Hip Bursitis

Do to the nature of CrossFit and the types of exercises we routinely perform, some people may begin to or currently experience some pain in their hips? A possible cause of hip pain could be hip bursitis. Although it isn't too common, hip bursitis can affect anyone. However it is more common in women and middle-aged or elderly people and seems to be less common in younger people and in men.

Bursitis is caused by inflammation of a bursa, a small jelly-like sac that usually contains a small amount of fluid. Bursae are located throughout the body, most importantly around the shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, and heel. They act as cushions between bones and the overlying soft tissues, and help reduce friction between the gliding muscles and the bone.

There are different types of hip bursitis. These types include trochanteric bursitis (pain on the side of the hip), ischialgluteal bursitis (pain at the base of the hips- the buttocks), and iliopectineal bursitis (pain in the groin).

The primary treatment is rest. This does not mean bed rest or immobilizing the area but avoiding actions which result in aggravation of the pain. Taking anti-inflammatory medications may relieve pain and reduce the inflammation, however, if these are ineffective, the definitive treatment is steroid injection into the inflamed area. Other treatment options may include applying an ice pack over the tender area or visiting a physiotherapist for other conservative treatments.

Patients with hip bursitis can often benefit by weight reduction, stretching exercises, and wearing proper footwear for exercise activities. Sometimes physical-therapy programs can be helpful. Generally, patients should avoid hills and stairs and direct pressure on the affected hip (sleep on the other side), when possible, while symptoms are present.

Some ways to prevent hip bursitis include:

-Adequate warm-up

-Avoid repetitive activities that put stress on the hips without proper build-up (too much too fast).
-If you need to lose weight, use diet and exercise (no magic pills).
-Get a properly fitting shoe insert for leg-length differences.
-Maintain strength and flexibility of the hip muscles (use hip mobility drills and exercises).

-Use of ice and proper rest after hard workouts of the hips.

References:

http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00409
http://www.arthritis-treatment-and-relief.com/bursitis-hip-exercises.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trochanteric_bursitis

http://www.medicinenet.com/hip_bursitis/article.htm

Mike