Options For Treating Hip Bursitis

Antibiotics

Antibiotics are drugs that kill the pathogens that cause disease. Most cases of hip bursitis are not related to infection and do not require antibiotics. However, when the bursae do become infected, the condition is called septic bursitis, which is a potentially severe complication. Bacteria may invade a bursa through a cut in the skin or by some other means. Individuals with diabetes, HIV, or cancer are at a higher risk for septic bursitis.

In addition to pain and swelling, this condition may also cause a fever, chills, redness in the affected hip area, and a general feeling of being unwell. To make the diagnosis and to find out which bacteria is causing the infection, physicians may draw a small amount of fluid from the bursa. If left untreated, septic bursitis can lead to septicemia, which is an infection of the bloodstream, though it can spread to other areas of the body. Prompt antibiotic therapy usually resolves septic bursitis without further related complications.