Hip Bursitis

Hip bursitis can develop for several reasons, often related to repeated stress or irritation of the hip area. One of the most common causes is overuse. Activities that involve repetitive motion, such as running, walking long distances, or climbing stairs, can place ongoing stress on the hip and lead to inflammation of the bursa.

Injury is another possible cause. A fall onto the hip or a direct blow can irritate the bursa and trigger inflammation. Even minor injuries, if repeated over time, can contribute to the problem.

Poor posture or abnormal walking patterns can also play a role. Conditions that affect how you move, such as leg length differences or spine issues, can place uneven pressure on the hip. This added stress can increase the risk of bursitis.

Muscle tightness, especially in the hips, thighs, or lower back, can contribute as well. Tight muscles can pull on the structures around the hip, increasing friction and irritation in the bursa.

Certain medical conditions may raise the risk. These include hip arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and conditions that involve inflammation in the body. While hip bursitis and hip arthritis are different conditions, arthritis in the hip joint can change how you move, which may increase strain on the bursa.

Other risk factors include age, as tissues naturally become less flexible over time, and lifestyle factors such as prolonged standing, heavy physical work, or sudden increases in activity levels.

The most noticeable symptom of hip bursitis is pain on the outside of the hip. This pain may start as a mild discomfort and gradually worsen. In some cases, it can come on suddenly after activity or injury.

The pain is often sharp at first and may become more of a dull ache over time. It is typically located over the outer part of the hip and may spread down the thigh. Many people notice that the pain gets worse when lying on the affected side, walking, climbing stairs, or standing up from a seated position.

Tenderness is another common symptom. Pressing on the outside of the hip may cause discomfort. Some people also experience stiffness, especially after periods of inactivity, such as sitting for a long time.

Swelling is less common but can occur in some cases. The area may feel warm or slightly swollen if the inflammation is more pronounced.

Pain may come and go at first, but without treatment, it can become more constant and interfere with daily activities such as walking, sleeping, or exercising.

Diagnosing hip bursitis usually begins with a detailed medical history and physical examination. Your Accelerate Orthopedics doctor will ask about your symptoms, when they started, and what activities make them better or worse. Understanding your daily routine and activity level helps identify possible causes.

During the physical exam, they will check for tenderness over the outer hip and assess your range of motion. They may ask you to move your leg in different directions to see which movements trigger pain. This helps distinguish bursitis from other hip conditions.

In many cases, a diagnosis can be made based on the exam alone. However, imaging tests may be used if the diagnosis is unclear or if other conditions need to be ruled out.

X-rays are often used to look at the bones and check for arthritis or other structural issues. While bursitis itself does not show up on an X-ray, the test can help rule out other causes of hip pain.

Ultrasound or MRI may be recommended in some cases. These imaging tools can provide a clearer view of soft tissues, including the bursa, and can confirm inflammation or detect other problems such as tendon injuries.

Sometimes, a provider may use a diagnostic injection. This involves injecting a small amount of numbing medication into the bursa. If the pain improves significantly after the injection, it helps confirm that the bursa is the source of the problem.

Early diagnosis is important because it allows for timely treatment and can prevent the condition from becoming chronic. With proper care, most people experience significant relief and are able to return to their normal activities.