Hip > Bursitis > Treatments

    R.I.C.E. (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation)

Home Recovery

Resting and icing your hip are common treatment prescribed for greater trochanteric bursitis. Your doctor will likely suggest that you take it easy for several days, so it may be wise to clear your schedule of any activities that require bending, twisting, or lifting. Initially, your doctor may recommend applying ice packs to the area for about 20 minutes every three or four hours. You will probably need to do this for two or three days, or until the pain subsides. To further alleviate pain and stiffness, your doctor also may suggest you apply heat treatments, which can take the form of a warm, moist towel, a heat pack, or a warm whirlpool, after a few days. These should be administered three to five times a day for several days, for about 15 to 20 minutes at a time. Non–steroidal anti–inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, can decrease inflammation and swelling, and alleviate pain.

The focus of rehabilitation is to restore normal hip function. Depending on the degree of disability caused by your hip bursitis, your physician may refer you to a physical therapist, who can provide you with the following: An evaluation of your joint's range of motion and muscle strength.

   Specific exercises to increase range of motion, strength, endurance, and coordination. Typical hip strengthening exercising involves leg exercises while sitting or lying down that do not involve bending the hip or taking steps with extra weight on your arms or torso.

   An evaluation of your mobility and gait.

   Ongoing treatment options, such as heat, cold, ultrasound, massage, electrical stimulation, or iontophoresis (introducing ions into the tissues by means of continuous, low–voltage direct current).

Runners and walkers can help prevent hip bursitis by making sure to run on flat, as opposed to uneven, surfaces. Heel lifts or orthotics can correct a leg–length discrepancy that may contribute to bursitis. Another way to help prevent hip injuries is to learn to avoid putting stress on your hip during daily activities. Try to take it easy on your hips during the day whenever possible to save them for activities and exercise. Avoid stairs when there is an elevator, take the shortest path when walking, and consider wearing athletic shoes designed to absorb shock. There is no substitute for conditioning. It is essential to adhere to the muscle strengthening program you learned in rehabilitation. The best strengthening programs are low–impact and non–weight bearing, like stationary bikes and certain weightlifting programs, so that your hips do not have to absorb shock. Proper stretching before and after exercising is essential. If you play sports, you can reduce your risk of direct trauma to your hips by using the proper equipment. In high–risk sports like football or hockey, this means girdle–type pads that protect the hip and abdomen areas. Physicians often recommend calcium supplements to help strengthen bones, particularly for post–menopausal women.