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Iliopsoas bursitis is an inflammatory condition that affects the muscles and bursa in the hip/groin areas. It is usually caused by repetitive flexion of the hip or bending in activities such as dancing, running, gymnastics and track and field. Pain can be felt in the front area of the hip and groin area that spreads down the front or inner thigh and down the knee.
Symptoms of iliopsoas bursitis
- Severe pain when extending the hip back
- Pain when crossing the leg in front of the body and twisting the leg inwards
- A clicking sound that may or may not cause pain
Pain can be felt in the front area of the hip and groin area that spreads down the front or inner thigh and down the knee. - A pinching sensation is felt in the hip or groin when bringing the knee up the chest
- Difficulty in walking and performing exercises
- Severe pain in front of the hip and down the buttocks and the into the knee
- Tenderness of the hips
- Stiffness and pain in the morning and becomes lessened when the body warms up
Causes
- Overuse of the tendons, muscles and joints
- Physically active people such as runners and swimmers
- Tight flexor muscles due to increased pressure and result to friction between the tendons and the bursa.
- Arthritic conditions such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid which causes degeneration of the joint cartilage.
- Work-related or sports trauma and injuries
- Vehicular accidents or falling
- Healing from surgery
- Sudden movements that result to pulling or straining the joints and muscles
- Overtraining or overuse of certain body parts especially using improper form
- Poor posture
- Inflammatory conditions that affect the joints such as gout, scoliosis, thyroid disorders and psoriasis.
Treatment
- Give the affected area time to heal by taking plenty of rest. Avoid performing repetitive exercises or movements that cause stress and pressure.
- Use walking cane, crutch or splint or brace to lessen pressure on the affected area and support when moving such as walking.
- Apply ice on the area to lessen the swelling. Wrap an ice pack with towel or a piece of cloth before placing on the area for at least 15-20 minutes every 4-6 hours to prevent further irritation and worsen the condition.
- Compress the area using compression bandage such as elastic bandage. Avoid wrapping it too tight to prevent problems with circulation. If there is swelling under the wrap, loosen the wrap.
- Elevate the area above the level of the heart to lessen the swelling.
- Take the prescribed over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen or Advil to lessen the pain and the swelling.
- Prescribed corticosteroid injection into the bursa to lessen the inflammation and the pain.
- Seek the help of the physical therapist for suitable rehabilitation exercises to reinforce and stretch hip flexors and muscles and restore range of movement of the affected area.
Disclaimer / More Information
The material posted on this page on iliopsoas bursitis is for learning purposes only. Learn to recognize and manage the condition by taking a first aid and CPR class with one of our training providers.
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