Bursitis in left hip replacement

Hi there

I had my hip replacement back in August 2023... horrific to say the least. I had this pain in the outer area of my thigh prior to my hip replacement but didn't know i had bursitis until my ultrasound last week. I am really interested to hear how long the injuection last's for. Some say it is worth it... some say not. My physio said unless there is alot of fluid then and only then is it worth getting. Those with not much fluid don't feel much of a difference with the injection. Given it has only been 20 weeks since surgery ( my gp reminds me this isn't very long compared to saying 6 months) puts it into perspective so i might hold off a little longer incase the hip is still agravating the bursitis. would love to know how other's have faired 6-12 months after surgery
Take Care

I had bursitis and osteoarthritis before my left hip replacement. I was told it may or may not help the bursitis. The guided injections did help me prior to surgery. I also found that I was aggravating the bursitis by the way I slept. I am now careful to sleep so that I am not putting pressure on the area of my bursitis. I am getting along fairly pain free right now, but would not hesitate to get another guided injection. I emphasize “guided” because just estimating the exact spot of the pain and injecting there did not help me. I believe there is also a procedure called a bursectomy if all else fails.

Hi there

I had my hip replacement back in August 2023... horrific to say the least. I had this pain in the outer area of my thigh prior to my hip replacement but didn't know i had bursitis until my ultrasound last week. I am really interested to hear how long the injuection last's for. Some say it is worth it... some say not. My physio said unless there is alot of fluid then and only then is it worth getting. Those with not much fluid don't feel much of a difference with the injection. Given it has only been 20 weeks since surgery ( my gp reminds me this isn't very long compared to saying 6 months) puts it into perspective so i might hold off a little longer incase the hip is still agravating the bursitis. would love to know how other's have faired 6-12 months after surgery
Take Care

I am on a wait list for THR at Mayo Phoenix. However, I've been diagnosed in another state than Phoenix with left hip bursitis and have been suffering with it for about 11 years. I've had injections that last 2 months and have had to live with flare ups all these years. Ice is the best way to help with pain and sitting too long makes it worse. I don't climb stairs anymore or lift more than a couple of pounds or Ill be in bad pain.. I take 1000 milligrams of Tylenol when it flares and lie down if I can. I've wondered if the THA will help resolve my bursitis, but after reading your blog I just wonder if it will. I'm starting to resolve myself to the fact that I can't be without pain in my life ( I'm 68), and am going to join a gym to try to strengthen my muscles in my whole body to see if that helps. I'll have to do workouts that are easy so I don't flare my hip. I also bought shoe inserts that do help a bit to support my body in turn helping with pain. I'm waiting for a call from the pain clinic. Who knows, maybe I have nerve issues going on. My past Dr. gave me Lyrica and it helped but I hated the side affects of 17 pound weight gain (swelling), and feeling drunk all day long. I pray God we both get relief cause persistent bursitis kills the spirit.

You asked "I've wondered if the THA will help resolve my bursitis, but after reading your blog I just wonder if it will..." The short term answer is probably - the inflammation will be improved once the damaged joint is replaced.
But, bursitis is a quirky thing - several years after hip replacement, mine flared again. At that time, the ortho gave an injection, AND told me the only "fix" was to keep the muscles strong through use and exercise. He showed me specific stretches to do, my pain management PT gave me strengthening exercises, and I keep moving all day long, no matter how I feel. If I sit too much, especially in the recliner or on a sofa, EVERYTHING hurts.
So your idea to get to a gym is a good one - but I suggest a visit first with a rehabilitation therapist (get a referral from the pain clinic) who can start you on a gradual stretching and strengthening program.
Then comes the hard part - you have to do it every day, whether at home or the gym, no matter how you feel - other wise it doesn't work. If you cannot get up and down from the floor, ask for exercises you can do while standing, with a chair or counter nearby for balance. Also, many stretches can be done on a firm bed. I do at least 5-10 minutes of stretches every morning before I get up, working on loosening arms, legs, back, neck, and hands.
Sue

You asked "I've wondered if the THA will help resolve my bursitis, but after reading your blog I just wonder if it will..." The short term answer is probably - the inflammation will be improved once the damaged joint is replaced.
But, bursitis is a quirky thing - several years after hip replacement, mine flared again. At that time, the ortho gave an injection, AND told me the only "fix" was to keep the muscles strong through use and exercise. He showed me specific stretches to do, my pain management PT gave me strengthening exercises, and I keep moving all day long, no matter how I feel. If I sit too much, especially in the recliner or on a sofa, EVERYTHING hurts.
So your idea to get to a gym is a good one - but I suggest a visit first with a rehabilitation therapist (get a referral from the pain clinic) who can start you on a gradual stretching and strengthening program.
Then comes the hard part - you have to do it every day, whether at home or the gym, no matter how you feel - other wise it doesn't work. If you cannot get up and down from the floor, ask for exercises you can do while standing, with a chair or counter nearby for balance. Also, many stretches can be done on a firm bed. I do at least 5-10 minutes of stretches every morning before I get up, working on loosening arms, legs, back, neck, and hands.
Sue

You asked "I've wondered if the THA will help resolve my bursitis, but after reading your blog I just wonder if it will..." The short term answer is probably - the inflammation will be improved once the damaged joint is replaced.
But, bursitis is a quirky thing - several years after hip replacement, mine flared again. At that time, the ortho gave an injection, AND told me the only "fix" was to keep the muscles strong through use and exercise. He showed me specific stretches to do, my pain management PT gave me strengthening exercises, and I keep moving all day long, no matter how I feel. If I sit too much, especially in the recliner or on a sofa, EVERYTHING hurts.
So your idea to get to a gym is a good one - but I suggest a visit first with a rehabilitation therapist (get a referral from the pain clinic) who can start you on a gradual stretching and strengthening program.
Then comes the hard part - you have to do it every day, whether at home or the gym, no matter how you feel - other wise it doesn't work. If you cannot get up and down from the floor, ask for exercises you can do while standing, with a chair or counter nearby for balance. Also, many stretches can be done on a firm bed. I do at least 5-10 minutes of stretches every morning before I get up, working on loosening arms, legs, back, neck, and hands.
Sue

I have had a minor case of bursitis in my right hip since TKR and have found great relief from my massage therapist who found the trigger part and worked it. After the surgery first session, it was essentially resolved 90%. On a side note, A massage for us recovering from surgery THA or TKR is a present we should give ourselves! I now go every 2-3 weeks.