Seattle Patriot

Thanks for all of your concern. I had my first Physical Therapy appointment today and it went well. But why are pigs flying, you ask? Because it sounds as though the root cause of my problem was being TOO flexible. That’s right – TOO flexible – LAURA – I never thought I’d here those two things together. My right leg/hip has the ability to rotate out at a normal 45 degrees, but because of the musculature problem on my left side, I can rotate that hip out at almost 90 degrees. Visually, here’s what’s going on:

What is hip bursitis, you ask?

Hip bursitis is a common problem that causes pain over the outside of the upper thigh. A bursa is a fluid filled sac that allows smooth motion between two uneven surfaces. For example, in the hip, a bursa rests between the bony prominence over the outside of the hip (the greater trochanter) and the firm tendon that passed over this bone. When the bursal sac becomes inflamed, each time the tendon has to move over the bone, pain results. Because patients with hip bursitis move this tendon with each step, hip bursitis symptoms can be quite painful. Hip bursitis is commonly seen in runners or athletes who participate in running-oriented sports.

The trochanteric bursa is located on the side of the hip. It is separated significantly from the actual hip joint by tissue and bone. Trochanteric bursitis frequently causes tenderness of the outer hip, making it difficult for patients to lie on the involved side, frequently making sleep difficult. It also causes a dull, burning pain on the outer hip that is often made worse with excessive walking or stair climbing. The ischial bursa is located in the upper buttock area. It can cause dull pain in this area that is most noticeable climbing up hill.

So, with a few exercises to strengthen that muscle, a little bit of rest for it, daily ice, and not sleeping on that side, it should be good to go. Meanwhile, I’m off to volleyball!