Hip Bursitis – Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options

Overview of Hip Bursitis

Hip bursitis is an inflammation of the bursae—tiny, cushion-like sacs that reduce friction between bones, tendons, and muscles. When these sacs become swollen, they cause pain and limit movement. The hip has two main bursae that can be affected:

• Trochanteric bursa: Located on the outside of the hip near the greater trochanter of the thigh bone.
• Iliopsoas bursa: Found at the front of the hip joint, near the groin.

Trochanteric bursitis is the most common type, particularly in adults and older populations.

How common is hip bursitis?

Hip bursitis is a frequent musculoskeletal condition. Prevalence varies by population, but studies suggest that up to 15% of women and 8% of men over 50 may experience trochanteric bursitis at some point (Segal et al., 2007). It is also common in athletes and people with physically demanding jobs.

Impact of hip bursitis on daily life

The effects of hip bursitis go beyond pain. They can affect multiple areas of your daily routine:

• Work: Sitting for long hours, standing, or lifting may aggravate pain.
• Sports: Activities such as running, cycling, or climbing may worsen symptoms, reducing performance.
• Sleep: Lying on the affected side often leads to disrupted sleep.
• Relationships: Reduced mobility and chronic discomfort can impact intimacy and social activity.
• Mental health: Persistent pain may lead to frustration, anxiety, or low mood.

How is hip bursitis different from arthritis or hip labral tears?

• Hip bursitis vs. arthritis: Arthritis causes stiffness and pain inside the joint, while bursitis affects tissues outside the joint.
• Hip bursitis vs. labral tear: A labral tear often causes catching or locking sensations, while bursitis typically results in tenderness over the outside of the hip.

Takeaway: Hip bursitis is common, painful, and disruptive, but with the right management, most people regain mobility and reduce discomfort.

Reference: Segal, N. A., Felson, D. T., Torner, J. C., Zhu, Y., Curtis, J. R., Niu, J., … & Nevitt, M. C. (2007). Greater trochanteric pain syndrome: epidemiology and associated factors. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 88(8), 988–992. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apmr.2007.05.021

Symptoms of Hip Bursitis

Hip bursitis symptoms usually develop gradually but may worsen with activity or prolonged pressure on the hip. Recognizing these symptoms helps you decide when to seek care.

What are the main symptoms of hip bursitis?

• Pain on the outside of the hip: Often sharp at first, then aching over time.
• Tenderness to touch: The hip may feel sore when pressed.
• Pain with activity: Walking, running, or climbing stairs can increase pain.
• Pain when lying on the hip: Sleep may be interrupted due to discomfort.
• Radiating pain: Sometimes spreads to the thigh or buttock but rarely past the knee.

How severe can hip bursitis pain be?

• Mild cases: Aching pain after activity, relieved by rest.
• Moderate cases: Pain interferes with daily activities such as walking or sitting.
• Severe cases: Constant pain that disturbs sleep, limits movement, and reduces quality of life.

Daily life impact of hip bursitis symptoms

• Work: Jobs that involve long periods of standing or repetitive movement may be difficult.
• Sports: Runners, dancers, or cyclists may find performance significantly affected.
• Sleep: Many people report tossing and turning because lying on the affected side is painful.
• Relationships: Discomfort may make socializing or intimacy harder.
• Mood: Chronic pain may lead to irritability, anxiety, or feelings of hopelessness.

Red flag signs: when to see a doctor

• Sudden, severe hip pain with fever or chills (possible infection).
• Rapid swelling or redness around the hip.
• Inability to bear weight on the affected leg.
• Pain that does not improve with rest.

Takeaway: While hip bursitis often develops gradually, worsening pain, swelling, or systemic symptoms should prompt medical evaluation.

Reference: Shbeeb, M. I., O’Duffy, J. D., Michet, C. J., O’Fallon, W. M., & Matteson, E. L. (1996). Evaluation of glucocorticosteroid injection for the treatment of trochanteric bursitis. Journal of Rheumatology, 23(12), 2104–2106. PubMed PMID: 8970043

Causes and Risk Factors for Hip Bursitis

Hip bursitis develops when repeated stress, trauma, or underlying conditions irritate the bursae.

What causes hip bursitis?

• Repetitive motion or overuse: Running, cycling, stair climbing.
• Direct trauma: A fall or bump to the hip.
• Prolonged pressure: Sleeping or sitting on a hard surface for long periods.
• Muscle imbalance or weakness: Tight or weak hip muscles alter biomechanics.
• Arthritis: Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout can increase inflammation risk.
• Previous hip surgery: Scar tissue or altered gait can stress bursae.

Risk factors for developing hip bursitis

• Age: More common in adults over 40 due to wear and tear.
• Sex: More frequent in women, possibly due to wider pelvic anatomy.
• Occupation: Jobs requiring repetitive hip movement or prolonged standing.
• Obesity: Extra weight increases stress on hip joints.
• Posture and gait issues: Leg length differences or scoliosis may contribute.
• Pregnancy: Hormonal changes and altered posture increase risk.

Lifestyle and daily impact of risk factors

• A construction worker lifting heavy loads may strain the hip repeatedly.
• An office worker sitting for long hours may develop bursitis from prolonged pressure.
• A runner with tight hip flexors may irritate the bursa over time.

How hip bursitis compares to other hip pain causes

• Hip bursitis vs. tendonitis: Tendonitis causes pain when moving the tendon, while bursitis pain is more constant and tender to touch.
• Hip bursitis vs. fracture: Fractures usually cause sudden severe pain and inability to move, while bursitis develops more gradually.

Takeaway: Hip bursitis has many causes and risk factors, but identifying them early can prevent recurrence and long-term complications.

Reference: Strauss, E. J., Nho, S. J., Kelly, B. T., Ranawat, A. S., & Coleman, S. H. (2010). Greater trochanteric pain syndrome. Sports Medicine and Arthroscopy Review, 18(2), 113–119. https://doi.org/10.1097/JSA.0b013e3181e7dd2a

Diagnosis, Recovery, and Management of Hip Bursitis

Hip bursitis can be frustrating and painful, but most people improve significantly with the right diagnosis, treatment, and management strategies. This section explains how hip bursitis is diagnosed, what recovery typically looks like, and the most effective evidence-based management options.

Diagnosis of Hip Bursitis

Hip bursitis is usually diagnosed through a combination of medical history, physical examination, and imaging tests when needed. Because hip pain can have many causes, doctors focus on ruling out other conditions such as arthritis, labral tears, or hip fractures.

How do doctors test for hip bursitis?

• Medical history: Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, activities, and any recent injuries. Pain that worsens when lying on your side, climbing stairs, or walking is a common clue.
• Physical examination: The doctor will gently press on the outside of your hip to check for tenderness over the greater trochanter (the bony point of the thigh). Pain during this step is a classic sign of trochanteric bursitis.
• Range of motion tests: You may be asked to move your hip in different directions to see what worsens the pain.
• Functional tests: Walking, standing from a seated position, or balancing on one leg may help pinpoint pain triggers.
• Imaging: While bursitis doesn’t show up directly on X-rays, imaging can rule out arthritis or bone problems. Ultrasound or MRI may be used to confirm bursa inflammation or exclude other soft tissue injuries.

How practitioners identify the root cause

Doctors look for patterns and risk factors that explain why the bursitis developed:

• If you are a runner, repetitive motion may be the cause.
• If you recently had hip surgery, altered walking mechanics may be stressing the bursa.
• If you have arthritis, joint inflammation may be contributing.

Takeaway: Diagnosis of hip bursitis is primarily clinical—based on your history and physical exam—while imaging is used only when the diagnosis is unclear.

Reference: Strauss, E. J., Nho, S. J., Kelly, B. T., Ranawat, A. S., & Coleman, S. H. (2010). Greater trochanteric pain syndrome. Sports Medicine and Arthroscopy Review, 18(2), 113–119. https://doi.org/10.1097/JSA.0b013e3181e7dd2a

Recovery & Prognosis for Hip Bursitis

Most people with hip bursitis recover well with a combination of rest, activity modification, and treatment. However, recovery timelines vary depending on severity, cause, and lifestyle factors.

How long does hip bursitis take to heal?

• Mild cases: With rest, ice, and stretching, symptoms may improve in 2–4 weeks.
• Moderate cases: Recovery may take 6–8 weeks with physical therapy and activity modification.
• Severe or chronic cases: Recovery may take 3–6 months, especially if bursitis is linked to arthritis, obesity, or repetitive strain.

Decision pathway for recovery

• If pain is mild, then self-care and rest may be enough.
• If pain interferes with daily activities, then physical therapy and targeted exercises are recommended.
• If pain is severe or persistent, then injections, medications, or surgery may be considered.

Factors that influence long-term outcomes

• Positive factors: Early diagnosis, adherence to therapy, good posture, and gradual return to activity.
• Negative factors: Ignoring symptoms, repetitive strain without modification, obesity, or underlying arthritis.

Return-to-work, sport, and daily life

• Work: Most people can return to light desk work quickly, but physically demanding jobs may require gradual reintegration.
• Sports: Low-impact exercise (swimming, cycling, walking) can usually be resumed within a few weeks. High-impact sports like running may take months.
• Daily life: Sleep improves once lying on the hip is no longer painful, and simple tasks like climbing stairs become easier.

Takeaway: With proper treatment, most people recover fully, but chronic bursitis may require long-term management to prevent flare-ups.

Reference: Shbeeb, M. I., O’Duffy, J. D., Michet, C. J., O’Fallon, W. M., & Matteson, E. L. (1996). Evaluation of glucocorticosteroid injection for the treatment of trochanteric bursitis. Journal of Rheumatology, 23(12), 2104–2106. PubMed PMID: 8970043

Management of Hip Bursitis

Effective management of hip bursitis combines pain relief, lifestyle changes, and prevention strategies. The goal is not only to reduce current pain but also to prevent recurrence.

What’s the best way to manage hip bursitis at home?

Step-by-step self-help tips:

1. Rest and activity modification: Avoid lying on the affected side and reduce activities that trigger pain.
2. Ice therapy: Apply ice packs to the hip for 15–20 minutes, several times a day, to reduce inflammation.
3. Stretching and strengthening: Gentle hip stretches and glute exercises relieve tension and improve stability.
4. Posture adjustments: Use cushions when sitting, and avoid crossing legs for long periods.
5. Footwear: Supportive shoes help correct walking mechanics.

Therapy and treatment approaches

• Physical therapy: Tailored exercises improve flexibility and strengthen hip muscles.
• Medication: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) reduce pain and inflammation.
• Injections: Corticosteroid injections may provide temporary relief in stubborn cases.
• Surgery: Rarely needed, but an option for severe, persistent bursitis unresponsive to other treatments.

Lifestyle and community supports

• Ergonomics: Adjust your workstation to reduce hip strain.
• Weight management: Helps reduce pressure on the hip joint.
• Exercise communities: Group classes like yoga or Pilates can support consistency and motivation.
• Coaching: Habit formation strategies can help you maintain a balanced activity level.

Prevention strategies

• Warm up before exercise.
• Alternate between high- and low-impact activities.
• Strengthen core and hip stabilizer muscles.
• Take regular breaks if your job involves repetitive movement.

Takeaway: Managing hip bursitis requires a mix of self-care, therapy, and prevention. Most people improve significantly when they consistently apply these strategies.

Reference: Reid, D. (2016). The management of greater trochanteric pain syndrome: A systematic literature review. Journal of Orthopaedic, Sports Physical Therapy, 46(6), 463–471. https://doi.org/10.2519/jospt.2016.5820

Multidisciplinary Coordinated Care for Hip Bursitis at CARESPACE

Managing hip bursitis successfully often requires more than one type of treatment. At CARESPACE, you benefit from a multidisciplinary, coordinated approach that addresses the root causes of pain, reduces inflammation, and prevents recurrence. Instead of relying on a single therapy, our team works together to create a personalized plan that supports faster recovery and long-term results.

How does CARESPACE treat hip bursitis differently?

Unlike standard single-discipline care, CARESPACE brings together experts across multiple fields to support your recovery. Each provider looks at hip bursitis from a different angle, and together they create a comprehensive plan for you.

• Physiotherapy: Builds hip strength and mobility through guided exercises and movement strategies.
• Chiropractic care: Improves hip alignment and biomechanics to reduce joint stress.
• Massage therapy: Relieves muscle tension around the hip, easing secondary pain from compensation.
• Kinesiology and fitness training: Provides tailored programs to strengthen supporting muscles and restore balance.
• Nutrition and naturopathic medicine: Reduces inflammation with diet changes and natural therapies.
• Psychotherapy and mental performance coaching: Helps you cope with stress, frustration, and insomnia linked to chronic hip pain.
• Acupuncture: Promotes circulation and may help reduce pain perception.

Takeaway: CARESPACE treats hip bursitis with an integrated plan that considers physical, mental, and lifestyle factors—not just the inflamed bursa.

Why does a team approach help hip bursitis recover faster?

Hip bursitis often develops due to multiple overlapping factors—such as posture, repetitive motion, muscle weakness, and stress. Treating just one factor may bring short-term relief but rarely prevents flare-ups. A coordinated team ensures nothing is missed.

Example of coordinated care at CARESPACE

Imagine you’re experiencing persistent outer hip pain:

1. Initial physiotherapy assessment: Identifies weakness in hip stabilizers and prescribes corrective exercises.
2. Massage therapy referral: Relieves tight gluteal and thigh muscles that are aggravating the bursa.
3. Chiropractic adjustment: Improves pelvic and spinal alignment, reducing abnormal hip strain.
4. Nutrition guidance: Reduces inflammatory foods and introduces anti-inflammatory options.
5. Psychotherapy support: Helps manage the stress and sleep disruption caused by ongoing pain.

All providers share notes and progress updates, so your plan adapts as you heal. This leads to faster recovery, fewer relapses, and a clearer path forward.

Coordinated care for hip bursitis across physical, mental, and lifestyle health

Hip bursitis affects more than just your hip—it can disrupt sleep, work, sports, and emotional health. CARESPACE integrates care across all dimensions:

• Physical health: Physiotherapy, chiropractic, kinesiology, and fitness training target muscle imbalances, posture, and movement patterns.
• Mental health: Psychotherapy and coaching address frustration, fear of movement, and stress related to chronic pain.
• Lifestyle: Nutrition and naturopathy provide strategies for lowering inflammation and boosting healing potential.
• Recovery support: Massage therapy and acupuncture promote relaxation, reduce tension, and improve circulation.

Takeaway: CARESPACE supports the whole person—not just the painful hip—so recovery is complete and sustainable.

The CARESPACE advantage in treating hip bursitis

What makes CARESPACE unique is the integration of multiple providers under one roof. Instead of piecing together care on your own, you benefit from a coordinated plan built around your needs.

Phases of care at CARESPACE

1. Acute phase (pain relief): Focused on reducing pain and inflammation through rest, therapy, and gentle adjustments.
2. Subacute phase (restoring function): Strength training, posture correction, and activity modification are introduced.
3. Maintenance phase (prevention): Ongoing support through exercise, nutrition, and stress management helps prevent recurrence.

This structured pathway ensures that you move smoothly from pain relief to prevention, with guidance at every step.

Advantages over single-discipline care

• Comprehensive: Every factor contributing to hip bursitis is addressed.
• Collaborative: Providers share insights so your treatment is consistent.
• Preventive: The focus is not only on healing but also on avoiding future flare-ups.
• Personalized: Your care adapts as you progress, ensuring long-term results.

How CARESPACE helps you take action

At CARESPACE, your care doesn’t stop when the pain fades. Our team equips you with tools, habits, and strategies to stay active, confident, and pain-free. With coordinated care, you can expect:

• Faster and longer-lasting relief.
• Better sleep and energy levels.
• Improved hip function for work, sport, and daily life.
• Lower risk of recurrence with ongoing prevention strategies.

Related Conditions, FAQs, and Disclaimer for Hip Bursitis

Hip bursitis is a common source of hip pain, but it’s not the only condition that can cause discomfort in this area. To help you better understand and manage your health, this section covers related conditions, frequently asked questions, and an important disclaimer.

Related Conditions for Hip Bursitis

Because hip bursitis shares symptoms with other conditions, it is often misdiagnosed at first. Understanding related conditions helps you and your provider make sure the root cause is correctly identified.

• Hip Arthritis: Unlike bursitis, which affects the outer soft tissues, arthritis is degeneration inside the joint itself. Stiffness and deep groin pain are more common in arthritis.
• Tendonitis: Pain from inflamed tendons around the hip can mimic bursitis, but tendonitis pain typically worsens with specific movements.
• Sciatica: Nerve pain from the lower back may radiate into the hip and leg, often mistaken for bursitis.
• Labral Tear: A tear in the cartilage of the hip joint may cause catching, locking, or deep groin pain—different from the outer hip tenderness typical of bursitis.
• Lower Back Pain: Spine issues can sometimes cause referred pain into the hip region.

Takeaway: While hip bursitis is a distinct condition, arthritis, tendonitis, sciatica, and labral tears may overlap in symptoms. A thorough evaluation is essential to ensure the right treatment.

Explore our full Conditions List to learn about other musculoskeletal and joint-related conditions.