What causes hip bursitis?

Hip bursitis is often caused by repetitive activity, running, climbing, direct trauma, muscle weakness, or hip arthritis. It is more common in women and people over 40.

What are the symptoms of hip bursitis?

The main symptom is pain over the outer side of the hip, worse with lying on the affected side, walking, climbing stairs, or prolonged standing.

How is hip bursitis treated?

Most cases are treated with physiotherapy, activity modification, anti-inflammatory medication, and sometimes corticosteroid injections. Surgery is rarely needed.

How long does recovery take?

Recovery is usually within weeks to months. Many patients feel relief within days after an injection, while physiotherapy prevents recurrence long-term.

Hip Bursitis (Trochanteric Bursitis):
Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Hip bursitis, also known as trochanteric bursitis, is a common cause of pain on the outer side of the hip. It occurs when the fluid-filled sac (bursa) that cushions the hip joint becomes irritated or inflamed. While hip bursitis can be painful and limit daily activities, most people respond well to non-surgical treatments such as physiotherapy and injections.

What Is Hip Bursitis?

A bursa is a small sac filled with fluid that reduces friction between bones, tendons, and muscles. The greater trochanteric bursa, located on the outer part of the hip, is the one most commonly affected. When this bursa becomes inflamed, it causes pain at the side of the hip, especially when lying on it or during activity.

Symptoms of Hip Bursitis

Pain over the outer side of the hip or thigh
Pain when lying on the affected side
Worsening pain with walking, climbing stairs, or prolonged standing
Tenderness to touch over the greater trochanter
Occasional swelling or warmth in the area

Causes and Risk Factors

Repetitive activities such as running, walking, or climbing
Direct trauma to the hip (fall or bump)
Leg length differences or abnormal gait
Hip arthritis or previous hip surgery
Weakness or tightness in hip and gluteal muscles
More common in women and people over 40

How Is Hip Bursitis Diagnosed?

Diagnosis is usually made with a clinical examination:

Physical exam: Tenderness over the greater trochanter and pain on movement
Imaging:
- Ultrasound: Shows bursal inflammation and fluid
- X-rays: Rule out arthritis or fractures
- MRI: Detects associated tendon problems (gluteal tendinopathy or tears)

Treatment Options

Non-Surgical Management

Activity modification and rest from aggravating activities
Anti-inflammatory medication (NSAIDs)
Physiotherapy to stretch and strengthen hip and gluteal muscles
Ice therapy to reduce pain and swelling
Corticosteroid injection into the bursa for persistent symptoms
Shockwave therapy in selected cases

Surgical Treatment

Surgery is rarely required, but may be considered for severe, persistent cases that do not respond to non-surgical care. This may involve removal of the inflamed bursa (bursectomy) or repair of damaged gluteal tendons if present.

Recovery and Prognosis

Most patients improve within weeks to months with non-surgical treatment
Physiotherapy helps prevent recurrence by correcting muscle weakness and movement patterns
After injections, relief can be rapid, often within days
Return to sport or physical work usually within 6–8 weeks once symptoms settle

When to See a Hip Specialist

If hip pain on the outside of your thigh is affecting sleep, work, or activity and does not improve with rest, it may be time to consult a hip specialist. Early diagnosis helps prevent tendon damage and long-term pain.