Bursitis of Hip Joint

Dear Ask The Doctor: Have had mild discomfort in both hips for some years, particularly my right hip. Now I am unable to sleep on my right side due to the pain. My Dr. says I have bursitis and has recommended a pillow between my knees, stretching exercises and Ibuprofein at night. The pillow does nothing for me. Will this eventually go away ? I am 69 years old, walk three miles every other day and am in good health.

Dear Bob: Bursitis is a painful condition that affects bursae - small fluid-filled pads — that act as cushions among your bones and the tendons and muscles near your joints. Bursitis occurs when the bursa becomes inflamed.  The most common locations for bursitis are in the shoulders, elbows or hips.

If the diagnosis is correct, the majority of cases of bursitis improve with time. Typically 1-2 months.

improvement can be gained faster by rest, physical therapy and anti-inflammatory if not medically contraindicated.  It is not uncommon to experience short flare ups after recovery.  The treatment for flare-up would be the same.