Hip bursitis is characterized by inflammation of the bursa in the hip, causing pain and stiffness. Bursae are small, fluid-filled sacs located throughout the human body, especially around the joints. They are structurally designed to provide a cushion between bones and tendons in order to reduce friction during joint movement. There are two major bursae in the hip that may become irritated and inflamed. One bursa covers the prominent bony point of the hip bone (greater trochanter). Inflammation of this bursa is called trochanteric bursitis. The second bursa is located on the inside of the hip, called iliopsoas bursitis. When any of these bursae become inflamed, the condition is sometimes referred to as hip bursitis. 

The Most Common Signs & Symptoms of Hip Bursitis

• Pain on the outside of the hip, along the greater trochanter, extending to the outer thigh
• Initially, pain is sharp and intense, and later becomes more of an ache spreading to larger areas of the hip 
• Worsening pain at night, especially when lying on the affected hip
• Pain with position changes, such as getting up from a chair, during walking, stair climbing, or squatting

Risk Factors For Developing Hip Bursitis

• More common in women and middle-aged or elderly people
• Repetitive stress injury especially with running, stair climbing, bicycling, or standing for long periods of time
• Hip injury especially with falling onto your hip, or lying on one side of your body for an extended period of time.
• Spine disease such as scoliosis, spinal arthritis, or other spinal problems that may affect the way you walk.
• Leg-length discrepancy which may affect the way you walk and can lead to irritation of a hip bursa
• Rheumatoid arthritis can make the bursa more likely to become inflamed
• Surgery near the hip or prosthetic implants may irritate the bursa and cause bursitis
• Bone spurs or calcium deposits that can develop within the tendons that attach muscles to the greater trochanter may irritate the bursa and cause inflammation

(Source: OrthoInfo)

What Are the Treatments for Hip Bursitis?

Marcel Jacobs PT provides a hands-on physical therapy approach which means you’re going to get fast access to immediate care in order to soothe and relax those tight and aching muscles, mobilize and loosen those restricted and painful joints, and strengthen your body so that you can go back to doing the things that you love. Your therapist will perform a thorough physical examination and evaluation in order to provide you with a deeper understanding of your impairments, compensations, and dysfunctions. You may find yourself having your concerns eased, questions answered, and physical pain reduced inside of 45 minutes with your physical therapist.