If you feel a sharp, aching pain on the outside of your hip when you walk, climb stairs, or lie on your side, inflamed bursae may be to blame. Bursitis hip pain is one of the most common reasons active adults see a sports medicine doctor. Here's what causes it and how it's treated.
Hip bursitis occurs when the fluid-filled sacs cushioning the hip become inflamed. Repetitive activity, injuries, and muscle imbalances can contribute to symptoms. Treatment often includes activity changes, physical therapy, and injections. Garden State Sports Medicine can help with personalized evaluations, osteopathic manipulative treatment, and targeted care to relieve pain and improve mobility.
What Is Hip Bursitis?
Bursae are small, fluid-filled sacs that cushion bones, tendons, and muscles near your joints. They reduce friction so everything glides smoothly as you move. Your hip has two major bursae: the trochanteric bursa, which covers the bony point on the outside of the hip (the greater trochanter), and the iliopsoas bursa, located on the inside of the hip near the groin.
When either sac becomes irritated and inflamed, the result is bursitis hip pain. Trochanteric bursitis is by far the more common type. So much so that many clinicians now consider it part of a broader condition called greater trochanteric pain syndrome since the nearby gluteal tendons are often involved as well.
Common Symptoms of Bursitis Hip Pain
The hallmark of trochanteric bursitis is pain at the point of the hip that may spread down the outer thigh. The pain is often sharp and intense, but over time, it can settle into a dull, more widespread ache.
You may notice:
Tenderness when pressing on the outside of the hip
Pain that worsens at night, especially when lying on the affected side
Stiffness or discomfort when standing up after sitting for a long time
Increased pain with walking, climbing stairs, or squatting
Pain in the groin area (more typical of iliopsoas bursitis)
Because bursitis hip pain can mimic arthritis, a labral tear, or a pinched nerve in the lower back, a proper evaluation is important before starting treatment.
What Causes Hip Bursitis?
Hip bursitis usually develops from repetitive stress or a specific injury. Common risk factors include:
Overuse from running, cycling, or standing for long periods
A fall or direct blow to the side of the hip
Weak hip and gluteal muscles
Leg-length differences or poor walking mechanics
A tight iliotibial (IT) band
Spine conditions such as scoliosis or lumbar arthritis
Previous hip surgery or implants
Rheumatoid arthritis, gout, or, rarely, infection
Women and middle-aged or older adults are affected more often. In many cases, bursitis hip pain results from several of these factors working together rather than a single cause.
How Hip Bursitis Is Diagnosed
As a sports medicine physician, Dr. Kevin Valvano, DO, FAOASM, typically diagnoses hip bursitis with a detailed history and a hands-on physical exam. This includes checking for:
Tenderness
Strength
Range of motion
Imaging can help rule out other problems. X-rays may reveal arthritis or bone spurs, while diagnostic ultrasound or MRI can show inflammation of the bursa and the health of the surrounding tendons. Pinpointing the true source of bursitis hip pain ensures your treatment targets the right problem.
Treatment Options for Hip Bursitis
The good news is that most people improve without surgery. Treatment generally follows a step-by-step approach:
Rest and activity modification: Temporarily avoiding the movements that aggravate the hip gives the bursa a chance to calm down.
Ice and anti-inflammatory medication: These can reduce swelling and ease discomfort in the early stages.
Physical therapy: Strengthening the glutes and core and stretching tight muscles improves hip mechanics and helps prevent recurrence.
Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT): Hands-on techniques can ease muscle tension, improve mobility, and correct imbalances in the pelvis and lower back that place extra load on the hip.
Injections: A corticosteroid injection into the bursa, often guided by ultrasound for precision, can provide significant relief when bursitis hip pain persists despite conservative care.
Surgery: In rare cases, removing the bursa (bursectomy) may be considered when other treatments haven't worked.
Tips to Prevent Hip Bursitis Flare-Ups
Once your hip feels better, a few simple habits can help keep it that way:
Strengthen your hip abductors and glutes with regular exercises
Warm up before activity and increase training intensity gradually
Sleep with a pillow between your knees and avoid lying on the sore side
Wear supportive shoes and address any leg-length difference
Maintain a healthy body weight to reduce stress on your hips
Small changes like these go a long way toward keeping bursitis hip pain from coming back.
Choose Garden State Sports Medicine for Hip Bursitis Treatment in Parsippany, NJ
Bursitis hip pain shouldn't keep you from an active lifestyle, whether you're training for a race or keeping up with your kids. At Garden State Sports Medicine, Dr. Kevin Valvano takes a personalized, whole-person approach to care.
He combines a thorough evaluation with treatments such as:
Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT)
Targeted injections
Chronic injury management
This helps to relieve pain, restore strength, and support your long-term goals.
Many patients come to us after earlier care hasn't helped, and Dr. Valvano focuses on finding what's holding their recovery back. This helps you return to walking, exercise, and sports with confidence.
Whether you’re managing school, training, work, or family responsibilities, start with a conversation about your needs by calling (862) 217-4355 or request an appointment online. Located at 3799 US-46, Suite 101, in Parsippany, NJ, we provide options for Morris County residents, including families in Mountain Lakes, Denville, Boonton, and Boonton Township.