Hip bursitis can make walking, exercising, climbing stairs, and lying on the affected side uncomfortable. Dr. Brian Cohen is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with more than 20 years of experience, over 30,000 orthopedic surgical procedures performed, and more than 100,000 patient evaluations. He evaluates the source of hip pain and develops a treatment plan based on the patient’s symptoms, activity level, and overall joint health. Learning how the bursae function can help explain why inflammation in these small structures may lead to persistent hip discomfort.
Bursitis Overview
A bursa is a small, fluid-filled sac that helps reduce friction between bones, tendons, and muscles near a joint. Bursitis develops when one of these sacs becomes irritated and inflamed.
The two main bursae around the hip are the trochanteric bursa and the iliopsoas bursa.
The greater trochanter is a bony prominence near the top of the thighbone. Trochanteric bursitis occurs when the bursa over this area becomes inflamed. It is the more common form of hip bursitis and often causes pain along the outside of the hip.
The iliopsoas bursa is located toward the front of the inner hip. Iliopsoas bursitis occurs when this bursa becomes irritated and inflamed, which may cause pain in the front of the hip or groin.
Hip Bursitis Symptoms
Hip bursitis symptoms vary from patient to patient, but the most common symptom is pain along the outside or front of the hip that may worsen over time.
Additional symptoms may include:
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Pain that radiates from the hip down the leg
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Pain that extends through the buttocks
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Morning stiffness that improves during the day
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Pain during exercise or other movement
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Discomfort while climbing stairs or standing from a seated position
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Pain when extending or lifting the leg
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Increased pain at night when lying on the affected side
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Swelling near the hip
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Warmth around the painful area
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Redness near the joint
Persistent redness, warmth, or significant swelling should be evaluated because these symptoms may indicate another condition.
Hip Bursitis Causes
Hip bursitis may develop from repetitive stress, direct trauma, altered movement patterns, or an underlying medical condition. It is often seen in athletes and people who frequently run, walk, cycle, or perform other repetitive hip movements.
Contributing factors may include:
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Repetitive use of the hip
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Overuse or increased physical activity
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Direct trauma to the outside of the hip
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Prolonged pressure on the affected side
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Lower back or spine conditions
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Unequal leg length
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Rheumatoid arthritis
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Previous hip surgery
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Bone spurs
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Calcium deposits
Hip Bursitis Diagnosis
If hip bursitis is suspected, Dr. Cohen or one of his sports medicine colleagues will review when the pain began, what activities make it worse, and whether there has been a recent injury or change in activity.
A focused physical examination may be used to:
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Identify areas of tenderness
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Evaluate hip range of motion
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Assess muscle strength
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Observe walking and movement patterns
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Check for symptoms involving the lower back or surrounding joints
Imaging may be ordered when needed to rule out arthritis, tendon injuries, fractures, or other causes of hip pain. X-rays can show changes in the bones and joints, while an MRI may provide more detail about the bursae, tendons, and surrounding soft tissues.
Hip Bursitis Treatment Options
Hip bursitis treatment depends on the severity of the symptoms, the cause of the inflammation, the patient’s activity level, and any contributing medical conditions. Dr. Cohen evaluates these factors to create an individualized treatment plan.
Nonsurgical Treatment
Most cases of hip bursitis can be treated without surgery. The goal is to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, correct contributing movement patterns, and gradually restore activity.
Treatment may include:
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Activity modification
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Avoiding movements that increase pain
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Ice or heat when appropriate
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Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication
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Physical therapy
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Prescribed stretching and strengthening exercises
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Massage therapy when recommended
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A cane or crutches for temporary support
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A corticosteroid injection
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Correction of gait, posture, or leg-length issues when relevant
Dr. Cohen may recommend a combination of treatments based on the cause and severity of the condition.
Surgical Treatment
Surgery is rarely necessary for hip bursitis. It may be considered when symptoms remain severe despite an appropriate course of nonsurgical treatment and another condition is not responsible for the pain.
When surgery is recommended, the inflamed bursa may be removed through a procedure called a bursectomy. This is often performed as an outpatient procedure, followed by rehabilitation to restore strength, flexibility, and normal movement.
Dr. Cohen reviews the potential benefits, risks, and recovery requirements of each appropriate option before recommending surgery.
Why Choose Dr. Cohen?
OVER 25+ YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
One of the first orthopedic surgeons employed by a large hospital. Dr. Cohen spent 20 years.
TRUSTED BY OVER 100,000+ PATIENTS WORLDWIDE
Over his distinguished career, Dr. Cohen has cultivated a reputation of excellence and trust among his patients and his peers.
UTILIZING THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY
To achieve the best surgical outcomes, Dr. Cohen uses the most advanced technologies and techniques, keeping his practice state-of-the-art.
PATIENT SAFETY IS TOP PRIORITY
An individualized, patient-focused process coupled with decades of training and experience helps ensure maximum safety for all of Dr. Cohen’s patients.
Hip Bursitis Care in Chillicothe, OH
Hip bursitis can often be managed with activity changes, physical therapy, medication, and other nonsurgical treatments. Dr. Cohen evaluates the cause of the inflammation and any contributing hip, spine, or movement issues before recommending care. Each treatment plan is designed to reduce pain and support a safe return to daily activities. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Brian Cohen, call (614) 788-0375.
