Iliopsoas bursitis

WHAT IS ILIOPSOAS BURSITIS?

The Iliopsoas Bursa is a fluid filled sac located underneath the Iliopsoas muscle which is located in front of the hip joint. The Iliopsoas Bursa provides cushioning to reduce friction and irritation between the muscles, tendons and bones. Iliopsoas Bursitis occurs when the bursa becomes inflamed.

Symptoms include:

• • • • • Pain whilst walking up the stairs
        • Pain when exercising
        • Pain when extending the leg
        • Pain when raising from a sitting to a standing position.

Those who enjoy repetitive activities like running, walking and swimming are more at risk of Iliopsoas Bursitis. Likewise, those who suffer with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and those with tight hip flexor muscles are more at risk.

HOW DO WE DIAGNOSE ILIOPSOAS BURSITIS?

Clinicians will usually ask a series of questions, followed by an examination of the hip. A clinician may also recommend having an X-Ray to rule out any bony problems in the hip. An ultrasound scan will diagnose the condition.

HOW DO WE TREAT ILIOPSOAS BURSITIS?

Treatment can depend on how serious the condition is; most cases get better within a few days/a week.

Treatment for mild cases may include:

• • • • • Rest, as this allows the shoulder to heal naturally.
        • Over the counter medication, like paracetamol and ibuprofen. (It is important to speak to your GP or a Healthcare Professional before any medication is taken.)
        • Physiotherapy should reduce pain and inflammation and strengthen the hip.
        • Ultrasound Guided Steroid Injections are still used to manage acute pain and to reduce swelling and inflammation. However steroid injections have been shown to cause detrimental damage to tendons in the long term. Repeated steroid injections should be avoided.
        • Ultrasound Guided PRP Injections help reduce pain and inflammation and promotes tissue healing by using the growth factors found within your blood plasma.