Hip bursitis

[whimsicalname]

I have diagnosed myself, in consultation with my esteemed colleague Dr Google, with hip bursitis caused by running. I typically run 20 miles a week, with a bit of other stuff (bodypump/yoga/spin/swimming) thrown in. I hadn't felt too good for a couple of weeks so had backed off a bit, then felt much better and potentially rather over did it with 30+ miles last week.

One of my hips is now achy when I go downstairs, or when I run, but mostly ok otherwise which seems very much like bursitis.

Other than rest and ibuprofen, does anyone have any suggestions of what to do (or for how long) and lovely positive stories of total and swift recovery? I don't want to hear any of that 'I had a sore hip and then my leg fell off and now I'm reduced to a quivering wreck' nonsense please and thank you.

[HelenF350]

Might be an idea to see a physio. I thought this was what was wrong with me, so did my gp, turns out I had a twisted pelvis and needed manipulation to fix it.

[NotReallyAPrincess]

I have had similar issues for about a year & have really worked on strengthening the joint (as advised by a physio - I said I didn't want to stop running). Lower back stretches & it band stretches also help it. I do a mix of yoga poses & strengthening stretches, which you could google if you are not familiar:
Downward dog/3 legged dog
Low lunge
Pigeon pose
Single leg squats (twice as many on the weak side)
Cat/cow pose
Upward dog
Step up & opposite leg raise

I try to do these every day, more of my hip is aching. And obviously a good stretch after runs too.

Good luck. Do go to a physio for advice though!

[CoteDAzur]

OP - I strongly recommend you to see a specialist doctor (not GP) with an ultrasound machine who can properly diagnose whatever is bothering you. Self-diagnoses rarely hit upon the correct problem, as many conditions have similar symptoms but not the same treatment or prognosis.

I had hip bursitis brought on by running and I currently have another hip condition on the other side. They feel very similar and their treatment was very different.

Until you see a specialist sports doctor, I would strongly advise you to stop running, rest as much as you can (i.e. don't move from the sofa or better yet, the bed) and ice your hip.

[CoteDAzur]

Btw, squats are NOT recommended for most hip conditions, especially for bursitis.

[whimsicalname]

Oh dear. It doesn't seem to have improved much in a week of not running, so off to the doc for me. And trying not to think ahead to the marathon I'm meant to be running in October.

[HelenF350]

Let us know how you get on at the doctors. Nothing worse than running injuries, so frustrating!