Hip Bursitis

What Is Hip Bursitis?

Hip bursitis, more accurately called greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS), is a common cause of lateral hip pain. It involves inflammation of the bursa (a fluid-filled sac) over the bony prominence on the outside of the hip, along with possible tendon irritation. It affects about 10-25% of the general population.¹

Symptoms²

Pain on the outer hip
Pain may radiate down the thigh
Worse when lying on affected side
Pain with walking, stairs, standing from sitting
Tenderness over hip bone
May disturb sleep

Causes and Risk Factors

Repetitive activities (walking, running, cycling)
Hip muscle weakness
Leg length differences
Hip or spine arthritis
Previous hip surgery
Obesity
More common in women

Diagnosis³

Physical examination
Tenderness over greater trochanter
Pain with certain movements
X-ray may rule out other conditions
MRI sometimes helpful

Treatment

Conservative (First-Line)

Activity modification
Ice application
NSAIDs
Physical therapy
Stretching and strengthening

Medical Treatment

Corticosteroid injection
May provide temporary relief
Can help with physical therapy

Physical Therapy

Hip strengthening (especially gluteals)
IT band stretching
Hip flexor stretching
Core strengthening
Gait analysis and correction

Self-Care

Sleep on opposite side with pillow between knees
Avoid crossing legs
Limit repetitive hip movements
Use cushion on hard chairs
Ice for 15-20 minutes when painful

Prognosis

Usually improves with conservative care
May take weeks to months
Can become chronic
Consistent exercises important

References

Segal NA, Felson DT, Torner JC, et al. Greater trochanteric pain syndrome: epidemiology and associated factors. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2007;88(8):988-992.
Williams BS, Cohen SP. Greater trochanteric pain syndrome: a review of anatomy, diagnosis and treatment. Anesth Analg. 2009;108(5):1662-1670.
Grimaldi A, Fearon A. Gluteal tendinopathy: integrating pathomechanics and clinical features in its management. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2015;45(11):910-922.