What Is Hip Bursitis and What Causes It?

Hip bursitis occurs when the bursae—small, fluid-filled sacs that reduce friction between moving tissues in your hip joint—become inflamed. This inflammation typically causes pain on the outer side of the hip that can radiate down the thigh or across the buttocks.

Several factors can contribute to developing hip bursitis, including repetitive stress from certain activities, hip injuries, spine diseases, leg-length discrepancies, rheumatoid arthritis, previous surgeries, or bone spurs. Age is another risk factor, as bursitis becomes more common as we grow older. Women are also more likely than men to develop hip bursitis, possibly due to differences in hip anatomy.

The two main types are trochanteric bursitis (affecting the outer hip) and iliopsoas bursitis (affecting the inner hip or groin area). Recognizing the symptoms early—persistent pain, tenderness, and swelling—can help you seek appropriate treatment before the condition worsens.

Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Hip Bursitis

Most cases of hip bursitis respond well to conservative treatment approaches that don't require surgery. Rest and activity modification are crucial first steps—avoiding activities that aggravate your symptoms gives inflamed tissues time to heal. While complete bed rest isn't necessary, reducing high-impact exercises and movements that trigger pain can make a significant difference.

Cold therapy helps reduce inflammation, especially during acute flare-ups. Apply ice packs to the affected area for 15-20 minutes several times daily, always with a cloth barrier between ice and skin to prevent tissue damage. Conversely, heat therapy can be beneficial after the acute phase, improving blood flow and relaxing tight muscles around the hip.

Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen or naproxen can help manage pain and reduce inflammation. For more severe cases, your doctor might recommend prescription-strength medications or corticosteroid injections, which deliver powerful anti-inflammatory medication directly to the affected bursa.

Many people find significant relief through physical therapy, which typically includes gentle stretching and strengthening exercises for the hip muscles. These exercises improve flexibility, enhance stability, and help prevent recurrence by addressing underlying biomechanical issues that might contribute to bursitis.

Assistive Devices and Home Remedies

Several supportive devices can help manage hip bursitis symptoms during daily activities. Canes or walking sticks reduce pressure on the affected hip by transferring some of your weight to your arms. For optimal benefit, use the cane on the side opposite your affected hip.

Orthotic inserts or heel lifts can help correct leg-length discrepancies that might contribute to hip bursitis. Dr. Scholl's offers various over-the-counter options, though custom orthotics from a podiatrist might provide better results for complex cases.

Many people find that compression garments from brands like Copper Fit or Bracoo provide additional support to the hip area, potentially reducing pain during movement. These garments apply gentle pressure that may help control swelling and provide proprioceptive feedback to improve movement patterns.

For nighttime relief, specialized pillows placed between the knees while sleeping on your side can help maintain proper hip alignment. Contour Health offers memory foam options specifically designed for hip pain relief.

Advanced Treatment Approaches

When conservative measures don't provide sufficient relief, several advanced treatment options exist before considering surgery. Corticosteroid injections directly into the affected bursa can provide powerful anti-inflammatory effects lasting several months. These injections are typically performed by orthopedic specialists or pain management physicians.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy represents a newer approach that uses components from your own blood to potentially accelerate healing. During this procedure, a small blood sample is processed to concentrate platelets, which are then injected into the affected area. Regenexx specializes in regenerative medicine approaches including PRP for various musculoskeletal conditions.

Some patients benefit from extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), which uses sound waves to stimulate healing in the affected tissues. This non-invasive procedure is offered by specialized physical therapy centers and some orthopedic practices.

For persistent cases, ultrasound-guided aspiration might be recommended, where excess fluid is removed from the bursa to reduce pressure and pain. This procedure is often combined with a steroid injection for maximum benefit. Companies like Sonex Health develop ultrasound guidance technologies that help physicians perform these procedures with greater precision.

Preventing Recurrence Through Lifestyle Adjustments

Making certain lifestyle modifications can significantly reduce your risk of hip bursitis recurrence. Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial, as excess pounds place additional stress on your hip joints. Even modest weight loss can substantially decrease pressure on the bursae and surrounding structures.

Regular, appropriate exercise strengthens the muscles supporting your hip joint, improving stability and function. Low-impact activities like swimming, cycling, and elliptical training provide cardiovascular benefits without excessive joint stress. YMCA facilities often offer water exercise programs specifically designed for people with joint conditions.

Pay attention to your walking and standing posture, as improper biomechanics can contribute to hip bursitis. Avoid standing with your weight shifted to one side for extended periods. When sitting, choose chairs with good back support and appropriate height to keep your hips properly aligned.

For those who engage in sports or fitness activities, proper warm-up routines are essential. Products from TheraBand can help with gentle resistance exercises before more intense activity. Additionally, appropriate footwear with good arch support and cushioning from brands like Brooks Running or New Balance can improve lower body alignment and reduce stress on your hips.

Conclusion

Hip bursitis, while painful and potentially limiting, can usually be effectively managed without surgical intervention. By combining rest, appropriate physical therapy, pain management strategies, and lifestyle adjustments, most people experience significant improvement in their symptoms. For persistent cases, advanced treatments like corticosteroid injections or regenerative therapies offer additional options before considering surgery.

The key to successful recovery lies in a comprehensive approach that addresses both the immediate inflammation and the underlying factors that may have contributed to the condition. Working closely with healthcare providers to develop a personalized treatment plan gives you the best chance of overcoming hip bursitis and returning to your normal activities pain-free.

Remember that recovery takes time, and consistency with your treatment program is essential. By maintaining healthy habits and continuing appropriate exercises even after symptoms improve, you can significantly reduce your risk of recurrence and maintain long-term hip health.

Citations

This content was written by AI and reviewed by a human for quality and compliance.