Bursitis is an inflammation
of the fluid filled sac or bursa that cushions the joint and facilitates
movement. The most frequent location for bursitis is over the outside of
the hip. This is called greater trochanteric bursitis. Tenderness in the
affected area is one of the symptoms of bursitis. Pain can frequently be
made worse by using the joint and moving it in a certain direction.
The initial treatment for
bursitis is heat to the affected area, followed by stretching exercises
and ice massage. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines are also quite
helpful. Should symptoms continue, sometimes a local steroid injection
is very helpful in resolving bursitis. Bursitis usually lasts between two
and three weeks. Sometimes, if the condition is recurring in the same area,
surgery may be recommended to remove the bursa.
