Ever wondered the cause of your prolonged hip and lower back pain? Or you’ve neglected it yet again? This dull ache becomes a more intense pain, and you start to think you might be getting arthritis. Because it causes stiffness near the joint, many people mistake bursitis for arthritis. But, bursitis is a different problem altogether, that pain might is not arthritis. It could be hip bursitis. This condition causes pain and swelling around the hip region. This write-up will tell you how to use natural remedies to get rid of hip bursitis. Also, we’ll cover a few questions on the same and discuss the best foods to eat to calm down hip bursitis.
The painful inflammation of a bursa is bursitis. Bursae are fluid-filled sacs that cushion your tendons, ligaments, and muscles. A hip bursitis may be an effect of bumping or bruising repeated pressure or overuse.
It can hit any major joint, including the shoulder, elbow, hip, ankle, heel, or base of the big toe. There are about 160 bursae in the entire body. Bursitis may be acute (short-lived) or chronic (long-lasting). Now, let’s see how it is caused.
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Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Hip Bursitis
Bursitis is not serious in nature. It can be thus cured with proper care of the injured or inflamed area. Home remedies are enough to cure the ailment.
But if this issue is recurring, again and again, you should consult your doctor for sure. Let’s check out the best home remedies to cure the ailment.The following are the home remedies one can practice to get rid of hip bursitis.
1. Cold Compresses
When dealing with cramps and cricks due to bursitis, cold compresses are the nicest home remedy. The cold temperature helps knock down the prior swelling. This further abates pain by numbing the core area. It also helps reduce tenderness and inflammation.
Cold compresses are generally most cogent when used within 2 to 3 days of bursitis.
Method to Use
Wrap a few ice cubes in a thin towel. Place the ice pack in over the tender joint for about 15 minutes in a gentle manner. After removing it, elevate the joint above your heart and rest. Redo the process a few times a day until you’re relieved.
Note: Do not apply ice directly to the skin as it can cause frostbite.
2. Warm Compresses
After 48 hours for extreme or anytime for typical bursitis, warm compresses are handy. They help amend blood circulation to the afflicted joint. Also, they aid in reducing stiffness and fight inflammation.
Method to Use
- Dampen a thin towel with lukewarm water. Apply it on the affected area for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Repeat the whole thing a few times a day. You can also avail a heating pad or a hot bottle as a warm compress remedy.
- Also, you can even cleanse the affected area with warm water.
- The hot water bath helps a lot in this regard, so try having one 3 to 4 times a week.
3. Massage
Massage assists in a reduced distress from a sore joint. It boosts circulation and cut back stiffness and swelling. It also balms you allay. You can do the massage all by yourself or get it done by an expert. But, try availing one with a professional, lay down and enjoy your session. It always works to get rid of pain of hip bursitis. 1
Method to Use
- Brew up some olive, coconut, sesame or mustard oil.
- Anoint the warm blend on the grieved area and massage using feeble yet firm pressure for 10 minutes.
- Put a warm cloth over the impaired area. Redo a couple of times daily until your condition ameliorates.
Note : Abstain massage if any septicity is the cause of your bursitis.
4. Castor Oil
Castor Oil is another effective home remedy to ease pain and swelling in the joints. The ricinoleic acid in this oil has anti-inflammatory facets that help calm inflammation.2 It even assists in improving the mobility of the joint.
Method to Use
- Dunk a piece of wool flannel in cold-pressed castor oil.
- Put it over the distressed joint and wrap it with a plastic foil.
- Settle a heating pad or hot water bottle on it and cloak that with a cloth or towel.
- Let it stay for 30 to 40 minutes, then remove it.
- Massage the oily residue in a very gentle way on the skin or rinse it off with warm water. Practice this cure 3 or 4 times a week.
5. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar(ACV) is another conventional and popular remedy to get rid of hip bursitis. It helps revive the alkalinity of your body, which in turn moderates inflammation. Besides, minerals like magnesium, calcium, potassium, and phosphorus in ACV help balance fluids.
Method to Use
- Bathe a thin towel in raw, unfiltered ACV and use it to wrap the affected area for several hours every day.
- Also, blend 1 tbsp of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar and a little organic honey in a glass of water.
- Drink this potion twice every day for a couple of days.
6. Essential Oils
Most of these essential oils own anti-inflammatory characteristics that will vanish the swelling. They also provide heat to the skin as they are warm in nature. This can help to ease the pain and provide calmness.
Method to Use
- Make an oil blend by mixing the essential oil of your choice with a 1/4 cup of olive oil.
- Like you can use chamomile, basil, rosemary, sweet birch, wintergreen, myrrh or copaiba oil.
- Add 4 to 5 drops of oils. Apply this on the affected area and massage for a minute or two. Leave the oil blend on overnight. Repeat this every night until the hip bursitis heals.
Note :Sweet birch oil and wintergreen oil are safe for short-term use only.
7. Milk Of Magnesia
Milk of magnesia (magnesium hydroxide) exerts an anti-inflammatory effect on the affected region. When the magnesium levels in the body fall, metabolic disorders start to crop up. Thus, this mineral plays a vital role in many of these inflammatory processes.
Method to Use
Mix 1 tsp of milk of magnesia in water and drink this. Do this twice a day for a week.
Note: Do not use this remedy for more than a week.
8. Turmeric
The most famous and traditional remedy, turmeric is a magic wand for spasms. It is a potent anti-inflammatory agent that reduces the pain. Curcumin is the main ingredient of turmeric that helps in lessening swelling, ache. It also contains antioxidants that can help you to get rid of hip bursitis.
Method to Use
- Add 1 tsp of turmeric to a glass of milk or warm water and mix well.
- Drink this while the milk is still warm.
- Have this turmeric infused milk 1 to 2 times every day, or at least once every day.
9. Blackstrap Molasses
Blackstrap molasses are an excellent source of magnesium and potassium. They help relieve joint pain symptoms seen in rheumatoid arthritis and bursitis
Method to Use
Mix 1 tbsp of blackstrap molasses in a glass of water and drink this blend. Drink a glass of same every day.
10. Ginger
Ginger is usually used to reduce both pain and inflammation at different sites of the body. Topical application of ginger oil will have a direct impact on the hip swelling. Ginger should be also included in the daily diet to keep inflammations and infections at bay.
Method to Use
Apply a few drops of ginger oil on the affected area and massage for a minute or so, until it gets absorbed into the skin. Apply this once or twice every day.
11. Mullein Tea
The herb mullein helps to reduce the swelling and pain as it is anti-inflammatory in nature. The warmth of the tea will also relieve the stiffness in the hip joint that you may be experiencing.
Method to Use
- Add 2 tsp of mullein herb in 2 cups of boiling water.
- Brew fresh mullein tea by bathing the herbs in hot water for a few minutes.
- Now, dunk a soft cloth in this and place this over the hip after removing any excess water from the cloth.
- Leave it on for 20 to 30 minutes. Repeat this as and when required.
12. Alfalfa
Alfalfa tea will bring down the levels of inflammatory compounds in the body. This will, thus, give you relief from hip bursitis within an instant.
Method to Use
Steep 1 tsp of dried alfalfa leaves for 10 to 15 minutes in a cup of hot water and then strain the tea. Drink this. For better results, have a cup of this herbal tea every day.
13. White Willow Bark
Herbal experts recommend using white willow bark to ease out bursitis. Salicin is a compound in this herb that works as a natural painkiller.3It also helps mitigate inflammation and swelling.
Method to Use
- Cast 1/2 tsp of dried white willow bark to a cup of hot water.
- Cover, infuse for 15 minutes and sieve it. Drink this tea twice a day.
- Or, take a white willow bark supplement only after consulting your doctor.
Note : This herb is not suitable for children and people on blood-thinning drugs.
14. DMSO
Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), acquired out of wood pulp, can also assist in this very treatment. Obtainable in liquid and gel form, you can use it as a topical analgesic for quick relief of pain and swelling. It penetrates and promotes the remedial of sacs of inflammation.
Method to Use
Apply a 70 percent solution of DMSO on the affected joint with a cotton ball. Rub in a gentle way to improve its absorption and effectiveness. Use this remedy 2 or 3 times a day for a few days.
Note: DMSO has a few side effects. If you don’t see much improvement after trying this remedy, discontinue.
15. Sandalwood
Known for centuries for its topical application on wounds and bruises, sandalwood is a boon. Not only it’s effective on injuries, but also bursitis, and muscle or, bone-related ailments. Sandalwood is full of antioxidants and is rich in anti-inflammatory agents.
Method to Use
Make a mush by adding 1 tsp of sandalwood in 1/2 cup of water. Apply this over the joints, which will calm the pain. Use this 3 to 4 times a week and you will notice a great recovery for sure.
Now, that you are aware on how to free yourself of hip bursitis.You can counter the distress of hip bursitis with these simple yet effective cures. You can get aid from the soreness and tenderness in a few days if you chase the regime. If the remedies aren’t working and the signs persist, consult a specialist at the earliest.
Best Foods For Hip Bursitis
Hip bursitis is an inflammation- type ailment. Thus, it makes much sense to devour foods that have anti-inflammatory attributes. Some of the best foods you can add to your diet for hip bursitis are as follows.
1. Pineapple
This famous fruit consists of a compound called bromelain, which helps abate inflammation. Bromelain is an impactful cure for patients experiencing hip bursitis. This compound may even be an ideal replica to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
2. Papaya
Alike pineapple, papaya contains an anti-inflammatory compound, known as papain. Papain possesses marked anti-inflammatory benefits that can help counteract bursitis.
3. Dark leafy greens
These contain nutrients like Vitamin B that work together to create anti-inflammatory benefits. The above vitamins can help restore damaged cells, as well as avert the further loss. In turn, this can curtail your chances of getting a damaged bursa. Broccoli, spinach, kale are good examples of the same.
4. Vitamin C
It’s very well known that consuming vitamin C will help boost your immune system. But, did you know that it can help combat bursitis, too? Vitamin C can deflate C-reactive protein (CRP), which is an inflammatory biomarker. The best sources of vitamin C are oranges, bell peppers, parsley, and kiwis.
5. Omega-3
It is an essential fatty acid that has the ability to help reduce inflammation. 4
This happens by lessening the production of inflammatory prostaglandins. Thus, increasing the amount of omega-3 you consume can help lessen your risk of bursitis. Fish, eggs, olive oil, walnuts, flaxseeds, grass-fed meats are rich in omega-3.
6. Low-glycemic Grains
Most grains have a high glycemic index, which can lead to inflammation in the body. Yet, there are some grains that have a low glycemic index and will not cause a huge sugar spike in the body. These grains include barley, oatmeal, quinoa, and bulgur. These help in lessening aches due to bursitis.
7. Whey Protein
Whey protein is the protein left in the milk after the solids and fats are removed. You might consider whey as true ‘skim milk’. Whey protein has been often termed as an inflammation-fighting food. This is a good food for hip brsitis.
Causes of Hip Bursitis
Hip bursitis or trochanteric bursitis is the inflammation of bursa in the hip area. This occurs due to the vigorous acts that administer pressure on the bones or bursa. The common causes for hip bursitis are as follows.
- Incorrect body posture at the workplace or home.
- An exertion of the hip muscles and joints due to over-activity and stress.
- Injury to the hip or any accident.
- Overstressing the hip.
- Rheumatoid arthritis.
- Gout.
- Pseudogout.
- Infection with bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus (or a staph infection).
- Diabetes.
- Issues with spine, such as scoliosis.
- Uneven leg lengths.
- Bone spurs (bony growths on top of normal bone) on the hip.
Symptoms Of Hip Bursitis
The below are some of the common symptoms of hip bursitis that one may experience during the condition.
- Hip pain which can be sharp at first and then become a constant pain.
- Pain in the outer thighs.
- Swelling at the affected site.
- Stiffness in the hip joint.
- Clicking sensation at the hip.
- Difficulty in walking, sitting, and all the basic activities.
Risk Factors For Hip Bursitis
Hip bursitis can bother masses but is more common in women folk and middle-aged or elderly clan. Although, it is less popular with younger people and in men.
Following are the risk factors that have been widely associated with the development of hip bursitis. They are,
1. Repetitive stress (overuse) injury
This can occur when running, stair climbing, bicycling. Also, standing for a long period of time can result into adverse consequences.
2. Hip injury
An injury or accident to the point of your hip can occur when you fall onto your hip. Besides, sleeping or lying on one side of your body for an extended time is not suggested.
3. Spine problems
Issues like scoliosis, arthritis of the lumbar (lower) spine, and other spinal issues may occur.
4. Leg-length inequality
When one leg is significantly shorter than the other, it affects the way you walk. This can further lead to irritation of a hip bursa.
5. Rheumatoid arthritis
This makes the bursa more likely to become inflamed.
6. Previous surgery
Surgery around the hip area or prosthetic implants in the hip can distemper the bursa. Thus, bursitis is more likely to pop up.
7. Bone spurs or calcium deposits
The above can advance within the tendons that conjoins muscles to the trochanter. These can also nettle the bursa and cause inflammation.
Exercises To Avoid For Hip Bursitis
Whether your hip pain is due to arthritis, bursitis, etc, the sore joint can cause pain during the simplest activities. If you have hip pain, you may need to alter your exercise routine.
Exercises to avoid whilst experiencing bursitis include a variety of cardiovascular, strengthening and stretching exercises.
You need to avoid sports s golf, basketball, soccer, wrestling as they can result in the direct blow to the sore joint. Running and jumping should also be avoided during this period.
When To See A Doctor For Hip Bursitis?
It is advisable to see your doctor if you experience any of the conditions listed out below along with the usual symptoms of hip bursitis.
- Sharp or shooting pain
- Excessive swelling and rashes
- Persistent pain for 1 to 2 weeks
- Unbearable pain in the hip
- Fever
FAQ’s
How Long Does Hip Bursitis Take To Heal?
It can take up to 2 to 8 weeks for hip bursitis to heal. This is so only if other interventions are not used to get relief from the symptoms. Like other home remedies, or any other medications.
Is Walking Good For Hip Bursitis?
Walking becomes very uncomfortable and even painful at times when you are experiencing hip bursitis. It is best to take ample rest and let your body heal instead of straining it more with any physical activity.
So, this is all for much awareness on hip bursitis. Hip bursitis is absolutely curable and very common. Hope this article helps you in treating your condition at home. Home remedies are always a preferred alternative when the symptoms are bearable.
You can tackle them with easy to follow natural solutions. But, do consult your doctor before practicing any. Remember friends, prevention is better than cure, so avoid excess strain even if you’re all right.
Also Read
Exercises To Get Rid of And Avoid During Hip Bursitis
References