Hip Bursitis
Hip bursitis is inflammation of the small, cushion-like sacs called bursae that sit around the hip joint. These bursae help soft tissues glide smoothly over bone, and when they become irritated you may feel pain, swelling, and stiffness on the outside of the hip.
The condition often results from repetitive motion, pressure, or a direct bump to the hip. Many people improve with simple treatments such as rest, medication, physical therapy, and targeted injections under orthopaedic care.
What You Should Know About Hip Bursitis?
Hip bursitis most commonly affects the greater trochanteric bursa on the outside of the hip. It can make walking, sleeping on the affected side, and activities that involve hip motion uncomfortable. The pain is often sharp or burning and tends to worsen with prolonged standing, climbing stairs, or running.
Doctors usually diagnose hip bursitis from your history and a physical exam. Imaging such as X-rays or ultrasound may be used to rule out other causes. Many patients respond well to conservative care provided by an orthopaedic team like Princeton Orthopaedic Associates, while more persistent cases can be treated with injections or minor procedures.
What Causes Hip Bursitis?
- Repetitive Friction and Overuse - Repeating the same hip movements, such as running or cycling, can irritate the bursa over time.
- Direct Trauma - A fall or a hard blow to the outer hip can inflame the bursa.
- Abnormal Biomechanics - Differences in leg length, poor gait, or weak hip muscles can increase pressure on the bursa.
- Underlying Joint Problems - Conditions such as arthritis can alter joint mechanics and contribute to bursitis.
- Previous Surgery or Scarring - Surgical changes around the hip can affect soft tissues and increase risk of inflammation.
What Are the Symptoms of Hip Bursitis?
- Pain on the Outside of the Hip
- Pain That Radiates
- Worsening Pain at Night
- Stiffness or Decreased Range of Motion
- Swelling or Warmth
When to Seek Orthopaedic Care for Hip Bursitis
- Severe or Worsening Pain - If your pain becomes intense or steadily increases despite home care, see an orthopaedic specialist for evaluation and treatment.
- Night Pain That Interrupts Sleep - Persistent pain that prevents sleeping on the affected side may need professional treatment.
- Numbness or Weakness - New numbness, tingling, or weakness in the leg should be checked to rule out nerve involvement.
- Symptoms That Last More Than a Few Weeks - If conservative measures do not improve symptoms after several weeks, orthopaedic care can provide additional options.
- Signs of Infection - If the hip becomes very red, hot, swollen, or you develop a fever, seek immediate medical attention to rule out infection.
Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Your orthopaedic provider will examine your hip, watch how you walk, and test motion to find the source of pain. Imaging such as X-ray or ultrasound may be used to exclude other problems like arthritis or tendon tears.
Initial treatment usually focuses on reducing pain and inflammation. Typical steps include activity modification, ice, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, and a guided physical therapy program to strengthen hip muscles. If symptoms persist, a cortisone injection into the bursa can provide relief. Surgery is rarely needed and is reserved for cases that do not respond to conservative care.
What to Expect During Recovery
Recovery time varies with severity and treatment. Many people see meaningful improvement within a few weeks of starting conservative care, while others may need several months of physical therapy and gradual activity increase. Injections can speed symptom relief, and most patients regain normal function with proper rehabilitation.
Princeton Orthopaedic Associates provides orthopaedic evaluation and individualized plans to manage hip bursitis and help you return to your daily activities with less pain. Your provider will discuss realistic timelines based on your specific situation.
Questions to Ask Your Orthopaedic Provider
- What is likely causing my hip pain?
- Which treatments do you recommend first?
- How long before I can return to my normal activities?
- Are injections appropriate for my case?
If you have persistent hip pain, schedule an evaluation so we can recommend the safest and most effective steps for recovery.
This blog post is meant to be informative and should not act as a self-diagnosis tool. If you’d like to see one of our doctors, please contact us here.
