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Hip bursitis at HCA UK
Why choose us?
Hip bursitis can make everyday movement uncomfortable, but our dedicated hip and knee specialists are here to help. With expertise across ten orthopaedic fields, they'll create a treatment plan tailored to your specific condition so you can move with greater ease.
You'll have peace of mind that you're in safe hands. In our 2024 patient satisfaction survey, 97% said they would recommend HCA UK to friends and family. With access to the latest imaging technology, we diagnose hip bursitis accurately and guide you towards the most effective care.
You'll have peace of mind that you're in safe hands. In our 2024 patient satisfaction survey, 97% said they would recommend HCA UK to friends and family. With access to the latest imaging technology, we diagnose hip bursitis accurately and guide you towards the most effective care.
Hip bursitis occurs when the fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion the hip joint become inflamed. These cushions protect the tendons and muscles from rubbing against the bone.
There are two major bursae on the hip that are prone to inflammation. One bursa covers the greater trochanter (the bony point of the hip) and the other covers the iliopsoas (the inside of the groin side of the hip). You may feel a dull, aching pain if a hip bursa is inflamed. In more severe circumstances, you might even have difficulty performing everyday tasks.
There are two major bursae on the hip that are prone to inflammation. One bursa covers the greater trochanter (the bony point of the hip) and the other covers the iliopsoas (the inside of the groin side of the hip). You may feel a dull, aching pain if a hip bursa is inflamed. In more severe circumstances, you might even have difficulty performing everyday tasks.
Anything that puts extra load or pressure on the bursa can lead to bursitis. In the hip, the main cause is tendinopathy. This occurs when the force passing through a tendon is greater than the strength of the surrounding muscles, creating what's known as functional overload.
Tendinopathy involves inflammation and degeneration of the tendon, which connects muscle to bone and is often felt as pain, swelling and reduced performance.
Common causes of functional overload include:
Tendinopathy involves inflammation and degeneration of the tendon, which connects muscle to bone and is often felt as pain, swelling and reduced performance.
Common causes of functional overload include:
- Posture: Sitting at a desk or driving for long periods can strain the hip
- Anxiety or stress: Can alter posture and increase pressure on the lower back and hips
- Weight gain: Extra weight around the abdomen adds force to the hip joints
- Strength: Weak back, hip or buttock muscles make the area more vulnerable
- Carrying heavy loads: Rucksacks, handbags, shopping bags or laptops can place additional stress on the hip
Anyone can develop hip bursitis, though it's more common in certain groups. Older women are more likely to experience it because wider hips can create more friction around the bursae. People in physical jobs may also be affected, as repeated lifting or bending can inflame the joint.
Athletes, especially those in contact sports or long-distance running, are at risk due to the intense and repetitive use of their hips. Certain conditions, such as arthritis, psoriasis, diabetes and thyroid disease, can also increase the likelihood of bursitis.
Some of the most common causes include:
- Repetitive strain: Running, stair climbing, cycling, heavy lifting or standing for long periods can overload the hip joint
- Bone spurs or calcium deposits: These can irritate the bursa in the same way a small stone irritates a shoe
- Hip injuries: A fall or direct bump or sports injury can cause swelling in the bursa
- Spinal disease: Conditions like scoliosis or arthritis of the lower spine can alter your gait and strain one hip
- Rheumatoid arthritis: Inherited conditions that cause inflammation can make bursitis more likely
- Leg length differences: Uneven weight distribution when walking can irritate the bursae
- Surgical complications: Hip surgery or prosthetic implants can sometimes trigger inflammation
While there are many possible causes, hip bursitis is treatable. With expert diagnosis and the right care, most people find their pain can be managed effectively, allowing them to return to everyday activities with confidence.
If you are experiencing hip pain, it may be due to bursitis. Some of the most common symptoms include:
- Tenderness surrounding the hip
- Hip pain and soreness that worsen at night
- Swelling around the joint
- Redness around the affected area
- Joint pain that worsens with pressure
There are many causes of hip and joint pain. Ensuring that you receive an accurate diagnosis, whether it's hip bursitis or another condition, is crucial to receive the most effective treatment.
As hip bursitis, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis share similar symptoms, it can be challenging to distinguish between the conditions. The primary difference is that hip bursitis pain typically occurs in response to movement.
On the other hand, arthritis develops slowly over time. To determine the root cause, it's essential to book an appointment with a hip specialist.
As hip bursitis, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis share similar symptoms, it can be challenging to distinguish between the conditions. The primary difference is that hip bursitis pain typically occurs in response to movement.
On the other hand, arthritis develops slowly over time. To determine the root cause, it's essential to book an appointment with a hip specialist.
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Hip bursitis tests and scans at HCA UK
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The diagnosis of hip bursitis begins with a thorough consultation. Your hip specialist will discuss when your pain began and which activities make it worse, so they can fully understand your symptoms. They'll then carry out a careful physical examination, gently pressing on different areas of your hip to locate the source of pain. They may also carry out further tests to rule out other conditions and confirm the diagnosis, including:
- X-ray
- CT scan
- MRI scan
- Ultrasound scan
Hip bursitis treatments at HCA UK
Exceptional private hip treatments
Mild bursitis can go away without treatment. Simple lifestyle changes, such as avoiding activities that cause pain, using crutches and losing weight, can significantly improve bursitis as they reduce the amount of pressure on the hip joint. For moderate to severe cases, intervention is required. Treatments for bursitis in your hip include:
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Hip bursitis FAQs
Most cases of mild bursitis will get better on their own with rest and at-home treatments. If you have tried taking painkillers and applying ice and heat, some additional treatment options include:
Physical therapy: This can help increase your range of motion, reduce pain and promote recovery. Your physiotherapist might use a combination of massage, acupuncture and exercise to encourage the healing of the hip bursa.
Podiatry review: Checking for a biomechanical overload of the hip may identify the underlying reason why the hip is being overloaded in the first place to cause the tendinopathy and resulting bursitis.
Occupational therapy: Certain interventions can help you move around freely without putting undue stress on your inflamed hip. Corticosteroid injections: As a minimally invasive treatment, injections work to decrease inflammation and pain by calming your immune system.
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy: This is a non-invasive way of treating tendinopathy, which in turn can reduce the bursitis.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections: This is a modern regenerative technique, where your own blood is taken, divided into its different components and the platelets (healing portion) of blood are re-injected into the tendinopathy.
Surgery: If other treatments have not worked, your consultant might recommend surgery to remove your bursa. Our hip specialists will only ever recommend surgery as a last resort.
If you have been experiencing hip pain for six months or longer, it's best to book an appointment with one of our hip specialists (sport and exercise medicine consultants and orthopaedic hip surgeons).
Hip pain is extremely frustrating, especially when it stops you from moving freely. But there are plenty of treatment options to help you feel better again. When you see one of our hip bursitis specialists near you, they will work with you to devise an effective treatment plan that will get you back to doing day-to-day activities as soon as possible.
Physical therapy: This can help increase your range of motion, reduce pain and promote recovery. Your physiotherapist might use a combination of massage, acupuncture and exercise to encourage the healing of the hip bursa.
Podiatry review: Checking for a biomechanical overload of the hip may identify the underlying reason why the hip is being overloaded in the first place to cause the tendinopathy and resulting bursitis.
Occupational therapy: Certain interventions can help you move around freely without putting undue stress on your inflamed hip. Corticosteroid injections: As a minimally invasive treatment, injections work to decrease inflammation and pain by calming your immune system.
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy: This is a non-invasive way of treating tendinopathy, which in turn can reduce the bursitis.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections: This is a modern regenerative technique, where your own blood is taken, divided into its different components and the platelets (healing portion) of blood are re-injected into the tendinopathy.
Surgery: If other treatments have not worked, your consultant might recommend surgery to remove your bursa. Our hip specialists will only ever recommend surgery as a last resort.
If you have been experiencing hip pain for six months or longer, it's best to book an appointment with one of our hip specialists (sport and exercise medicine consultants and orthopaedic hip surgeons).
Hip pain is extremely frustrating, especially when it stops you from moving freely. But there are plenty of treatment options to help you feel better again. When you see one of our hip bursitis specialists near you, they will work with you to devise an effective treatment plan that will get you back to doing day-to-day activities as soon as possible.
There are three main types of hip bursitis:
- Trochanteric bursitis: The trochanter is positioned at the top of the thigh bone, on the outside of the hip. Trochanteric bursitis occurs when one of the bursae in this area becomes inflamed. A trochanteric bursitis diagnosis normally follows pain on the outer thigh and outside of the hip. This type of bursitis is more common in athletes, those who do physical jobs or people who have recently undergone surgery.
- Iliopsoas bursitis or ischial bursitis: Iliopsoas or ischial bursitis occurs when one of the bursae on the inside of the hip joint (located beneath the iliopsoas muscle) becomes inflamed. This is characterised by pain in the groin or upper buttock. In some instances, patients can experience pain that travels down the thighs to the knees. Iliopsoas bursitis is usually most noticeable in the morning or after walking upstairs, exercising or standing up from a seated position.
- Septic hip bursitis: If your hip bursae are infected, this is known as septic bursitis. This usually comes with additional symptoms such as feeling sick, tired and feverish. Septic hip bursitis is a potentially dangerous condition, so see a hip specialist immediately.
Hip bursitis often shows up in three clear ways:
- Pain on the outside of your hip that starts sharp and may become a dull ache
- Tenderness when you press the area or lie on that side
- Stiffness that makes walking, climbing stairs or standing up uncomfortable
Certain activities and habits can make hip bursitis worse. These include:
- Running or walking long distances, especially on hard surfaces
- Climbing stairs or standing still for long periods
- Sleeping on the sore side or crossing your legs too often
- Carrying extra body weight or having poor posture
Hip bursitis shares symptoms with several other conditions, which can make it tricky to identify on your own. It's often mistaken for:
- Arthritis in the hip joint
- Tendonitis around the hip muscles
- Sciatica with pain running down the leg
- Muscle strain in the buttocks or thigh
- Lower back problems that spread discomfort into the hip
Most people will recover from mild cases of bursitis in a few days or weeks. In more severe cases, it may take up to 12 weeks to fully recover. If you've opted for surgery, the incision wounds will normally heal within ten days.
Most patients start to see dramatic improvements after six to twelve weeks. Patients often have some additional soreness post-surgery, so your consultant might prescribe pain relief to help you feel more comfortable post-surgery.
Most patients start to see dramatic improvements after six to twelve weeks. Patients often have some additional soreness post-surgery, so your consultant might prescribe pain relief to help you feel more comfortable post-surgery.
You may be able to speed up the recovery process by:
- Resting your hip and avoiding overexertion
- Applying ice as soon as symptoms occur to reduce swelling
- Taking a warm bath or applying a heat pad
- Taking over-the-counter medication to reduce pain and inflammation
Sometimes it does, yes. Most cases of mild bursitis will heal with increased rest and over-the-counter medications. If conservative measures don't work, you might need medication, minimally invasive procedures (such as steroid injections or aspiration), or surgery.
Arthritis and bursitis share many symptoms. One of the main distinctions is that bursitis is often a short, sharp pain that spreads to an ache in the hip. If your pain develops slowly over time, this is usually a sign of arthritis.
The only way to confirm the root cause of hip pain is with a medical diagnosis. If you suspect you may have hip bursitis or arthritis, book an appointment with a hip specialist. They will diagnose your condition and discuss the most effective treatment options with you.
The only way to confirm the root cause of hip pain is with a medical diagnosis. If you suspect you may have hip bursitis or arthritis, book an appointment with a hip specialist. They will diagnose your condition and discuss the most effective treatment options with you.
Not usually, no. Most cases of hip bursitis respond well to non-surgical treatments. If you've already exhausted all the non-surgical treatment options and your bursa is still inflamed, you might need surgery.
This is because in some severe cases, the hip bursa becomes thick and swollen. If this happens, the best option is to remove the inflamed bursa via surgery. Once the inflamed bursa is removed, a new bursa will grow back in a few weeks. This new bursa is usually healthy, meaning the pain and inflammation will subside.
Only if you have exhausted all other avenues and your bursa is still inflamed might your hip specialist suggest surgery.
This is because in some severe cases, the hip bursa becomes thick and swollen. If this happens, the best option is to remove the inflamed bursa via surgery. Once the inflamed bursa is removed, a new bursa will grow back in a few weeks. This new bursa is usually healthy, meaning the pain and inflammation will subside.
Only if you have exhausted all other avenues and your bursa is still inflamed might your hip specialist suggest surgery.
There are three different types of surgery to improve hip bursitis. These include:
- Bursectomy: Bursectomy hip bursitis surgery is performed as an arthroscopy. The bursa is removed through a small incision in your hip. Once the bursa has been removed, another will usually grow back over time. This type of surgery is deemed less painful than traditional operations because it's less invasive. It also means you can recover quicker. Usually, you'll be able to stand up within 24 hours.
- Tendon repair and iliotibial band release: For some patients, the cause of their hip bursitis is iliotibial band syndrome. This syndrome occurs when the iliotibial band is too tight or damaged because of excessive use. This leads to friction, which can aggravate your hip bursa. During this type of surgery, your ITB is lengthened to prevent friction and ease pain.
- Osteotomy of the greater trochanter: During this type of surgery, your orthopaedic surgeon will cut off the bony part of your hip where your thigh bends outwards (the greater trochanter). This reduces friction between the hip bone and the bursa, reducing painful symptoms.
Every patient is different, but most will resume all their normal activities in 6-12 weeks. While you're still healing, you might need to use crutches or a cane until you can manage unassisted.
The cost will depend on the treatment you require, which hip tests you need and the severity of your condition. To find out more about our pricing, please visit payment options and self-funding.
You can often reduce your risk by keeping a healthy weight, strengthening the muscles around your hips and core and avoiding repetitive strain.
While mild bursitis may improve on its own with rest and self-care, ongoing inflammation can cause lasting pain and limit your movement. Seeing a hip specialist early means you'll get the right treatment to feel better sooner.
Yes, hip bursitis can return if the underlying cause isn't addressed. This might be related to posture, repetitive movements or muscle weakness. Following your hip specialist's advice on exercise and lifestyle changes can lower the chances of it happening again.
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The 83-year-old former physician is talking about the new lease of life he’s found following three life-changing joint replacement surgeries, all within less than three years.
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This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.