Two types of hip joint bursitis in Portage, MI

Bursitis is a condition that occurs when small fluid-filled sacs called bursae become inflamed. These structures are designed to provide cushioning between muscles and bones, and they also help reduce friction as muscles move. Bursitis can affect many joints, including the hip joint. The hip joints of Portage, Michigan, residents can be affected by two types of hip bursitis. 

1. Trochanteric bursitis

Trochanteric bursitis is the most common of the two types of hip bursitis, and it occurs when the bursa on the bony point on the side of the hip is inflamed. This point of bone is called the greater trochanter. The trochanteric bursa helps to reduce friction at this location, and this helps your hip joint move smoothly when you’re doing activities like walking or running. 

There are several issues that can lead to inflammation in the trochanteric bursa. One factor that can lead to inflammation in this structure is overly tight hip muscles. This is because tight muscles create more friction, and the increased friction irritates the bursa. Also, people who do too much walking or bending every day can overstress the trochanteric bursa. 

2. Iliopsoas bursitis

The other type of bursitis that can affect the hip joint is iliopsoas bursitis. Your iliopsoas bursa is located at the front of your hip joint, and it actually overlaps slightly with the pelvis. This bursa helps protect the muscles on the front of the hip. It also helps reduce friction as your hip swings in and out. The biggest difference between the two types of bursitis is that iliopsoas bursitis causes pain in the groin area and trochanteric bursitis causes pain in the hip itself. 

Like trochanteric bursitis, iliopsoas bursitis can be caused by repetitive motions and tense muscles. However, it can also be caused by an impact to the front of your hip. Such impacts are common in sports like football and rugby, and this means this form of bursitis could be classified as a sports injury. In addition, iliopsoas bursitis can result from a slip or fall while at work. 

Armor Physical Therapy in Portage, MI, can help treat bursitis in your hip joint

Regardless of which type of hip bursitis you have, you can find help at Armor Physical Therapy in Portage. To determine which type of hip bursitis you have, our team will perform a free screening for you. Once we’ve determined which bursa is causing your symptoms, we’ll build you a personalized treatment plan to treat them. Some therapy techniques that may be used in your plan include: 

• Therapeutic exercises
• Manual therapy
• Electrical stimulation
• Redcord^® therapy

Find out how our treatment plans can benefit your hip bursitis. Contact us today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.