Victims of Slip and Fall Accidents Can Expect Flare-Ups Even With Treatment for Bursitis of the Hip

If a person slips and falls, the hip often takes the brunt of the fall. Strains and sprains, hip dislocations, hip fractures, and bursitis in the hip are all common injuries victims suffer. Bursitis is a painful condition caused when the bursae—small, fluid-filled sacs cushioning the bones, tendons, and muscles near the prominent bone on the side of the hip—become inflamed. Bursitis can be caused by repetitive motions that irritate the bursae or an injury to the hip like in a slip and fall accident.

A victim suffering from bursitis in the hip can experience debilitating pain and limitations in his day-to-day activities. Symptoms he could experience include:

• Pain and swelling on the side of the hip.

• Pain traveling down the outside of the thigh to the knee.

• Pain when sleeping on the side.

• Pain after prolonged sitting.

• Pain when climbing stairs.

• Pain that increases when walking, standing, or cycling for a long period of time.

Five Possible Treatments for Bursitis of the Hip

Initially, a person may be advised to ice the injured hip, rest, and take over-the-counter pain medications. When these do not relieve the pain, one of the following treatments may be required:

• Medications. If the bursitis is caused by an infection, an antibiotic might be prescribed.

• Physical therapy. Physical therapy may help strengthen the muscles surrounding the injured area. This may reduce the pain and help prevent a recurrence of the bursitis.

• Injections. A steroid injection may be used to reduce the inflammation and pain. For some people, one injection can resolve the problem. It is important to note that too many injections over the course of a year could cause serious side effects.

• Assistive devices. Use of a cane or a walker can help reduce the pressure in the inflamed hip area and assist with walking.

• Surgery. When other treatments are not working, a person could need surgery to drain the inflamed bursae. On rare occasions, the affected bursae may need to be removed.

Unfortunately, even with treatment, bursitis of the hip could reoccur—causing long-term pain and limitations in the person’s ability to walk and engage in other activities that were once enjoyed. In addition, ongoing treatments could be expensive. Fortunately, an accident victim may be entitled to compensation from the person or business that caused his fall.

If you were injured in a slip and fall accident, we understand the financial hardships you are going through and are here to help. Call our experienced legal team at (727) 345-4566 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation to learn more about your rights.