- Orthopaedic & Neurosurgery Specialists PC (ONS)

A "bursa" is a fluid-filled sac and functions as a cushion between bones and the overlying soft tissues. It helps minimize friction between the gliding muscles and the bone. Bursitis is a common problem that causes pain and inflammation on the outside of the joint each time the tendon moves over the bone bursa. Symptoms include tenderness over the upper/outer thigh and swelling over the bursa.

Hip bursitis may be brought on by a number of factors including repetitive use, injury to the point of the hip or bone spurs. It is often associated with athletes who participate in running-oriented sports like jogging, soccer, football, etc.) and athletes who have experienced a fall. However in many cases, there is no identifiable cause.

Symptoms

The main symptom is pain in the outside of the thigh that may initially be characterized as sharp and intense. Later on, the pain may feel more achy and spread out. The pain is often worse at night, when lying on the affected hip, and when standing up from a chair after being seated for a while. Prolonged walking, stair climbing or squatting may also bring on pain.

Treatments for Hip Bursitis

• Modifying activities to avoid actions that inflame the bursitis
• Using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) to control inflammation and pain
• Using a walking cane or crutches to give the hip a rest
• Steroidal injections into the bursa
• Physical Therapy

An injection of corticosteroids may be helpful in relieving symptoms of hip bursitis. Done in a doctor's office, the injection typically provides relief, although sometimes the pain may return and a second injection, given a few months later, may be needed.

Illustration reproduced with permission from Green WB (ed): Essentials of Musculoskeletal Care, Edition 2. Rosemont, IL, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2001, p335.