Bursitis

Hip bursitis, also known as lateral hip pain or greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS), is a common condition that causes pain on the outer side of the hip and thigh. It occurs when the soft tissues over the greater trochanter (including tendons and bursae) become irritated or inflamed.

Hip bursitis is more common in women and adults aged 40–60, but it can affect people of any age. At Centers for Pain Control & Vein Care, our specialists provide personalized, evidence-based treatments to relieve hip pain and improve mobility.

Call us at 219-476-7246 or request an appointment online today to discuss evaluation and treatment for hip bursitis.

What are the signs and symptoms of hip bursitis?

Symptoms of hip bursitis can vary, but common signs include:

• Pain in the hip, thigh, or buttock area
  
• Pain when lying on the affected side or with direct pressure
  
• Pain that increases with walking, standing, or running
  
• Tenderness to touch over the outer hip
  
• Discomfort when sitting with legs crossed
  
• Pain when standing on the affected leg (“hanging on the hip”)
  
• Difficulty climbing stairs or lifting legs in/out of a car or bed
  

Pain may fluctuate, and flare-ups are common during activity or overuse.

 What causes hip bursitis?

Hip bursitis often develops gradually and sometimes for no obvious reason. Contributing factors include:

• Sudden increase in load or activity
  
• Changes in activity level, such as walking longer distances or faster pace
  
• Prolonged pressure on one hip from standing or sitting
  
• Weakness or reduced flexibility of hip and gluteal muscles
  
• Sedentary lifestyle or being overweight
  
• Previous injuries, like a fall onto the hip
  
• Hormonal changes
  
• Underlying osteoarthritis in the hip or knee
  
• Low back pain affecting hip mechanics
  

Identifying and addressing these contributing factors is key to recovery.

How is hip bursitis managed?

Activity modification

A critical first step is identifying activities that worsen pain and adjusting them. Avoid sitting with legs crossed, sleeping on the painful side, or placing excess weight on one leg. Gradually return to normal activity as tolerated.

Exercise and rehabilitation

Gradual, progressive strengthening exercises for the hip and gluteal muscles help:

• Reduce pain
  
• Improve strength and flexibility
  
• Restore normal function
  

Rehabilitation may take 6–12 months, depending on the cause and severity. Temporary flare-ups are normal; short rest or reduced intensity is appropriate when symptoms increase.

Pain management

• Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers can help you stay active and tolerate exercises.
  
• Corticosteroid injections: For persistent pain, injections into the outer hip may reduce inflammation and improve mobility. These injections provide symptomatic relief and are used alongside other treatments.
  
• Hip artery embolization: For patients with chronic lateral hip pain or hip bursitis not relieved by conservative care, CPC offers hip artery embolization, a minimally invasive procedure that reduces blood flow to inflamed tissues, decreasing pain and promoting healing without surgery.
  

Lifestyle considerations

• Maintain activity while modifying tasks as needed
  
• Spread weight evenly across both legs when standing
  
• Use supportive seating and avoid low chairs
  
• Consider weight loss if overweight
  

Get relief from hip bursitis

If you experience outer hip pain, tenderness, or activity-related discomfort, Our specialists can provide personalized evaluation and non-surgical treatments, including advanced interventional procedures like hip artery embolization.

Call us at 219-476-7246 or request an appointment online today to begin your care journey for GTPS and hip bursitis.