Hip Bursitis
What Is Hip Bursitis?
Hip bursitis is a common and often painful condition caused by inflammation of one of the bursae around the hip. Bursae are small, fluid-filled sacs that act as cushions between bone and surrounding soft tissues, helping reduce friction and allow smooth movement.
The most commonly affected bursa is located over the greater trochanter, the bony prominence on the outer side of the upper thighbone (femur). Inflammation here is known as trochanteric bursitis. Another bursa, called the iliopsoas bursa, lies toward the front of the hip near the groin and can also become inflamed, though this is less common.
Causes of Hip Bursitis
Hip bursitis often develops from repetitive stress or overuse of the hip. It is frequently seen in individuals who participate in activities involving prolonged walking, running, or climbing, including sports such as soccer and football.
Other causes and risk factors include:
- Direct trauma or a fall onto the side of the hip
- Prior hip surgery
- Muscle imbalance or weakness around the hip
- Leg length differences
- Spine conditions that alter biomechanics
- Inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis
Symptoms of Hip Bursitis
Symptoms depend on which bursa is affected:
- Trochanteric bursitis typically causes pain along the outside of the hip that may worsen with walking, climbing stairs, rising from a seated position, or lying on the affected side.
- Iliopsoas bursitis often presents as pain in the front of the hip or groin, especially with hip flexion or activity.
Pain may start gradually and increase over time if the underlying cause is not addressed.
Diagnosis of Hip Bursitis
Diagnosis begins with a thorough physical examination, during which tenderness and localized pain around the hip help identify the inflamed bursa.
Imaging studies may be used to further evaluate the condition:
- X-rays to assess for bone spurs or structural abnormalities that may be irritating the bursa
- MRI to evaluate soft tissues, rule out tendon tears, and confirm the source of pain when the diagnosis is unclear
Treatment Options for Hip Bursitis
Conservative Treatment
Most cases of hip bursitis respond well to non-surgical treatment. The primary goals are to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and address contributing biomechanical factors. Conservative treatment may include:
- Activity modification and rest
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Physical therapy to improve strength, flexibility, and hip mechanics
- Ice, heat, or ultrasound therapy
- Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation
These measures provide lasting relief for the majority of patients.
Surgical Treatment
When hip bursitis does not improve with appropriate conservative care, surgery may be considered. In select cases, minimally invasive hip arthroscopy can be used to remove inflamed bursal tissue, address associated tendon pathology, and eliminate painful bone spurs or enthesiophytes contributing to ongoing irritation.
Why Choose Dr. J. Pieter Hommen at OrthoMiami for Hip Arthroscopy and Hip Bursitis Care?
Dr. J. Pieter Hommen is a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon with more than 20 years of experience performing hip arthroscopy and treating complex hip conditions. At OrthoMiami, his practice is built on a thoughtful, joint-preserving philosophy that prioritizes accurate diagnosis and individualized care.
Dr. Hommen has extensive expertise in treating both intra-articular and extra-articular hip disorders, including chronic trochanteric bursitis, gluteal tendon tears, and peritrochanteric pain syndromes that often coexist and are frequently overlooked.
A key part of his approach is determining who truly benefits from surgery and who can improve with rehabilitation alone. Non-operative care is always explored first. When surgery is necessary, Dr. Hommen utilizes minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques to precisely address the source of pain while preserving surrounding tissues and promoting a smoother recovery.
Patients choose Dr. Hommen for his:
- Fellowship training in advanced orthopedic and arthroscopic techniques
- Over two decades of focused hip arthroscopy experience
- Expertise in hip preservation and minimally invasive care
- Comprehensive evaluation of complex hip and tendon pathology
- Patient-centered, evidence-based treatment philosophy
His goal is to relieve pain, restore mobility, and help patients return safely to their desired level of activity—without unnecessary intervention.
