Hip Bursitis

Hip bursitis is inflammation of the bursae, small jelly-like sacs that cushion the bones, tendons and muscles near your joints. Irritation and inflammation of the bursae can contribute to pain in the hip, groin and outer thigh areas.

Hip bursitis can affect anyone, but is more common in women and the middle-aged or elderly. Risk increases for those with:

• Repetitive stress (overuse) injury
• Hip injury
• Spine disease
• Leg-length inequality
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Previous surgery
• Bone spurs or calcium deposits

Symptoms of hip bursitis include:

• Sharp and intense hip pain
• Worsening pain when lying down or when getting up after being seated for a while
• Worsening pain with prolonged walking, stair climbing or squatting

Your provider will perform a comprehensive physical exam, looking for tenderness in the hip, and may perform additional tests to rule out other possible injuries or conditions. These tests may include imaging studies, such as x-rays, bone scanning and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Initial treatment for hip bursitis does not involve surgery. Many people can experience relief with simple lifestyle changes, including:

• Activity modification
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Assistive devices
• Physical therapy
• Steroid injection

Surgery is rarely needed for hip bursitis, but may be recommended by your provider if the hip remains inflamed and painful after nonsurgical treatments. Surgery is typically performed on an outpatient basis and has proven quite effective in eliminating pain and improving functionality. A short rehabilitation will likely follow surgery of this nature.