Hip Bursitis

Hip bursitis is inflammation of the bursa, a small, fluid-filled sac that reduces friction between tissues. The iliotibial band is a common cause for hip bursitis, causing irritation and inflammation as it crosses the greater trochanteric region of the hip bone. The main symptom is pain on the outside of your hip, which can become sharp and intense, especially when you press on it or lie on that side. You might notice the pain worsening with activities like walking, climbing stairs, or standing for long periods. Women tend to get hip bursitis much more than men because they have a wider pelvis, but middle-aged and elder people are also affected more often. Bursa pain is no joke, but there are several methods of hip bursitis treatment that you can try to help manage the pain.

Hip Bursitis Treatment

To manage hip bursitis, Dr. Grossfeld recommends:

1. Rest and Activity Modification

Avoid activities that aggravate the pain. It’s crucial to listen to your body and avoid activities that worsen your symptoms while you recover. Common activities that increase inflammation of the bursa are:

• Running
• Bicycling
• Deep Squats
• Leg Lifts
• Cardio Machines (Treadmills, Stairmasters, Ellipticals)
• Sideways Exercises

Hip bursitis often interferes with daily activities, like walking for long periods of time or sitting for a long time. Some people find a walking aid helpful, but its important to address the pain so that you can keep your muscles strong.

2. Ice

Ice, or ice therapy, reduces inflammation, especially when it comes to hip bursitis. You can use an ice pack or a bag of ice, and then apply it to your hip several times per day. It is recommended to do this for no longer than 20 minutes, and to have a cloth or wrap between your skin and the ice pack.

3. Medications

Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications can also be effective for bursa pain. NSAIDS like ibuprofen, aspirin, or naproxen can provide relief if you have no history of stomach ulcers or kidney disease. If you do have a history of these conditions or any other concerns, always ask your primary care doctor before taking medication.

4. Hip Bursitis Physical Therapy

Training your body to move correctly and strengthen the appropriate muscles so that the bursa is supported can be a great pain management tool. Stretching exercises improve flexibility, while strengthening exercises enhance hip stability and reduce strain on the bursa. If you get your hip bursitis diagnoses by a doctor, then usually your insurance will help you pay for it!

5. Corticosteroid Injections 

If conservative treatments don’t provide enough relief, an anti-inflammatory corticosteroid injection directly into the bursa can reduce inflammation and pain. If you have questions about this process, the effects, or how it works, feel free to ask your doctor or call us at 502-212-2663 for a consultation.

6. Additional Interventions for Hip Bursitis

Persistent or severe symptoms may require more intensive physical therapy or, in rare cases, surgery.  However, most people find significant improvement with a combination of rest, ice, medication, and physical therapy. If the pain does not resolve, it is usually recommended to get an MRI scan, which can rule out a tendon tear masquerading as hip bursitis.

If you or someone you love suffers from hip bursitis in the Louisville, Kentucky-area, board certified sports medicine physician Dr. Stacie Grossfeld at Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC can help. Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC is accepting new patients, and same day appointments are available. For additional information or to schedule an appointment, please contact Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC today at 502-212-2663.