hip bursitis? what exactly is bursitis?

[Virgi]

hip pain began 2 years ago and has gotten worse - my hips ache so much at night while on my sides - during day to go up and down stairs - im putting rubber bands on all my pants/jeans so they stretch out - please any suggestions on hip bursitis ?

i also would like to know if you can have bursitis on all joints? from what i understand its an inflammation of the sac around the bone ?
so does that mean i have bursitis in my achy shoulder, elbows and knees?
thanks!

[Seeker]

Howdy,  Here's the text book definition:

Bursitis is inflammation of the fluid-filled sac (bursa) that lies between a tendon and skin, or between a tendon and bone.

From that definition, it sounds to me like, you are correct in your assumption.

Seeker

[MissyLouWho?]

Seeker's right.  It's inflammation and swelling of the bursa sac.  When I was in elementary school, I developed bursitis in my shoulders from carrying a heavy backpack.  At least that's what they said it was from.  It didn't go away until a few years ago and I'm 35 now.  It got so bad I couldn't get dressed/undressed by myself.  The weather really had a bad effect on my bursa too.  I'd get it checked thoroughly if I were you, so you get the best treatment and/or advice.  I don't know if a treatment/exercise for one thing (arthritis, bursitis, tendonitis etc) could actually aggravate the condition if it's the wrong diagnosis.  Heat and rest always worked for me.  Maybe you could sit for a moment or two before and after you have to use the steps?  If you get to sit for a period of time, maybe plug in a heating pad for relief.  NSAIDs work to take down the inflammation too.

[Daisy1234]

Please check with your rheumy if you think this is what is wrong with you to get a proper diagnosis and a treatment plan. 

There is alot treatment available for that issue as I've had it in the past.  Depending on what the cause of your pain is, it it possible that physiotherapy, accupunture, NSAIDs or other medications, exercise and a good lifestyle (diet) or possibly a cortizone shot might all be of help. 

Daisy

[Nancy60]

Bursitis is inflammation of the bursa, the others are right.  There are other things that can cause similar pain though so proper diagnosis is important, see your rheumatologist, orthopedist to help figure out what is going on.  It would be unusual to have bursitis in several joints at the same time.  Physical Therapy can be helpful along with medications to reduce inflammation and pain.  Physical therapy involves managing pain and inflammation, stretching tight muscles, restoring strength and stability around the joint, and teaching correct body mechanics to prevent recurrence.  Steroid injections can sometimes be helpful also.

Nancy 

[Jenny]

I've had it for about a year. After months of Physical Therapy, I had a cortisone injection and it worked like a miracle.

[Doxie]

Hip bursitis has been well defined by the others here. I can tell you my experiences with it.

Hip bursitis will make the outer side of the hip very painful. It makes it so you can't sleep on that side due to the pain.  They can inject a steroid in the sac to reduce the inflammation and the pain. This can help tremendously!

Like Daisy said, go see a Rheumy so to get a correct diagnosis and treatment plan.

I would say that if all of your joints are aching, they probably all don't have bursitis, but it is some type of arthritis or flare.  I have osteoarthritis in pretty much all of my joints. When my Sjs flares up,  so do all my joints they ache and get stiff, and can be very painful.

Good luck getting it checked out. I hope your bursitis and joints get feeling better!

[gmomjuju]

I had this last June through September.  It was very painful! PCP gave me a script for PT.  It only made it worse. I finally went to the rheumatologist and he gave me a shot in the hip area.  He called it trochanteric bursitis.  Had the shot in September and have not had any trouble since.  (I hope I just didn't jinx myself!!) See your rheumy for help.

Good luck!
Judy