Sometimes a Post-Op Side Effect
Iliopsoas bursitis, also calledhip bursitis, isinflammationof the iliopsoas bursa.
Thisbursais a large fluid-filled sac found under theiliopsoas muscle, which supports hip movement.
The iliopsoas bursa provides cushion for tendons, ligaments, and muscles to prevent friction during movement.
Photo composite by Julie Bang for Verywell Health; Getty Images
Inflammation of this bursa can occur from factors such asoveruse, hip injury, orhip surgery.
An inflamed bursa can cause pain and prevent normal leg movement.
Since hip pain is a common problem triggered by many factors, getting the right diagnosis can be challenging.
Imaging tests can often help define the cause.
Most cases respond to treatment that includes rest and exercise.
This article explains iliopsoas bursitis symptoms, causes, and diagnosis.
It also describes treatment and ways to prevent the problem from coming back.
This pain may radiate down the inside of your groin through your thigh to your knee.
Main iliopsoas bursitis symptoms usually involve:
Do I Need an Ultrasound or MRI?
Your healthcare provider determines the specific imaging technique necessary to diagnose the source of your hip pain.
It can also show whether an injury to surrounding soft tissue is contributing to your pain.
If a subtle fracture or injury exists, an MRI can reveal swelling within the bone.
An MRI may be better if your provider wants a detailed image of an entire joint.
Ultrasound images show details of soft tissues around joints, tendons, and muscles.
Ultrasound can effectively diagnose abnormalities near the surface, on the outside of a joint.
This muscle helps you bend your hip.
A fluid-filled sac called a bursa protects and allows the tendon to glide when you make these movements.
When this bursa becomes inflamed or overworked, it is iliopsoas bursitis.
While the condition can affect anyone, it happens more often in people who are middle-aged or older.
Women are more likely to develop it than men.
Trochanteric bursitisis another key in of hip bursitis.
This bang out of hip bursitis usually causes pain in the outer edge of your upper thigh.
Treatment for most cases of iliopsoas bursitis often begins with conservative treatment that addresses the cause of the inflammation.
Build in time for warm-up and cooldown in any home exercise routine.
If symptoms do not improve after a few months, you may qualify for another injection.
However, steroid injections can’t be used as a long-term solution if the problem persists.
For Infection
Rarely, the iliopsoas bursa can become infected with bacteria, resulting in septic bursa.
The most serious complication issepsisorseptic shock, a life-threatening infection.
Surgical Treatment
Surgery is rarely needed to treat iliopsoas bursitis.
If pain persists, fluid may be removed from the affected bursa with a needle.
Surgical removal of the inflamed bursa (bursectomy) does not interfere with normal hip function.
In some cases, the bursa is removed using minimally invasivearthroscopic surgeryrather than open surgery.
This procedure is typically faster and less painful than open surgery.
It involves removing the bursa through a one-fourth-inch incision over the hip.
The number of weekly visits can be reduced as your symptoms improve.
Warm-up exercises prepare your body for more intense activity.
Cool-down exercises are done at the end of your exercise session as you gradually decrease your intensity level.
Having surgery can involve longer recoveries.
A good stretching program performed two to three times daily is key to managing iliopsoas problems.
Some cases develop into chronic iliopsoas bursitis.
Chronic iliopsoas bursitis involves repeated attacks of pain, swelling, and tenderness that go away and return.
Recurring episodes of inflammation can thicken the bursa, which can worsen swelling.
This can deteriorate muscles and cause a limited range of motion in the affected joint.
Summary
Iliopsoas bursitis can occur as a result of overuse or repetitive injuries.
Having certain health problems that hinder the way you walk can also increase your risk.
While iliopsoas bursitis can cause severe hip pain, the problem often resolves with proper treatment.
Getting the right diagnosis ensures that you get appropriate treatment to promote healing.
A physical therapist can provide education and movements needed to stretch and strengthen muscles and prevent a chronic problem.
When pain or swelling persists despite conservative treatment, contact your healthcare provider for further treatment.
A corticosteroid shot or draining fluid from the affected bursa may be needed.
In rare cases, removing out the affected bursa is the only way to achieve relief.
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