Have you ever woken up one morning and had pain on the outside of your hip? I’m sure you went online to try to figure out what was causing the pain and have seen a lot about “bursitis” or “tendonitis.” Well, which one is it?
Let’s start at the beginning!
A tendon is the attachment from a muscle to where it inserts onto a bone. A bursa is a fluid filled sac found around joints. In other words, a tendon is irritated as a result of repetitive stress from movement of a muscle. Bursitis occurs when the fluid that surrounds a joint gets inflamed. It is an area that encompasses structures such as tendons, muscles, and bones.
What are the symptoms of bursitis?
- Pain on the outside of the thigh
- Pain may radiate somewhat down the thigh
- Possible swelling or warmth on the outside of the thigh
- Pain can be sharp and then will become dull
- Most people have pain when lying on their side to sleep, excessive walking, stair climbing
What are the symptoms of hip tendonitis?
- Tenderness/pain along the area of the tendon
- Hip stiffness in the morning or after prolonged rest
- Pain when utilizing the muscle that is attached to the tendon i.e. going up stairs
- Pain may occur after progressing an exercise routine to quickly
- Pain that may lessen early on in the day with movement, but then will get worse by the end of the day.
What can you do if you think you suffer from one of these problems?
First, it’s important to figure out which one is the problem. Everyone has variations of symptoms and since the two above can produce similar symptoms it is important to have a physical therapist evaluate the issue to provide the best treatment.
Initially, the goal would be to decrease the pain (ice and anti-inflammatories) and perform gentle stretches. In addition, a physical therapist can perform manual techniques to assist with the healing process. Once the pain is more under control the therapist will prescribe specific strengthening exercises to provide support to the hip joint. As the pain improves and you get stronger, exercises will be progressed to get you back to the specific activity you are unable to perform.
Be careful! There is so much information on the internet, however everyone is different. Something that is good for one person MAY NOT be good for you. Also, once you start feeling better, you will want to return to your previous activities. This is a time when if you do something too soon, further injury can occur. Stick with it and you will be back to your normal activities in no time!
