Expert Sports Medicine

Hip Bursitis: Get Back to Pain-Free Movement

Comprehensive treatment for hip bursitis and related conditions. Dr. Daniel Feghhi provides personalized care to help you return to an active, pain-free lifestyle.

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Board Certified
Fellowship Trained
15+ Years Experience
Hip anatomy showing bursa and surrounding muscles
Understanding Hip Bursitis

What Is Hip Bursitis?

Hip bursitis is inflammation of the bursae—small, fluid-filled sacs that cushion the bones, tendons, and muscles near your hip joints.

Types of Hip Bursitis

The two main types are trochanteric bursitis (affecting the outer hip) and iliopsoas bursitis (affecting the inner hip). Trochanteric bursitis is far more common.

What Are Bursae?

Bursae are tiny, jelly-like sacs containing fluid that act as cushions between bones and soft tissues, reducing friction during movement.

Common Causes

Hip bursitis is often caused by repetitive stress, injury, hip surgery, rheumatoid arthritis, or aging. Overuse from activities like running or climbing stairs is common.

Risk Factors

Older adults, women, people with leg length discrepancies, those with hip arthritis, and athletes or individuals with repetitive hip motions are at higher risk.

Trochanteric Bursitis

This affects the bursa on the outer side of the hip (greater trochanter). It's the most common form and often causes pain when lying on the affected side or walking.

Chronic vs. Acute

Acute bursitis comes on suddenly and improves with treatment. Chronic bursitis can recur over time and may require more extensive management.

Who Is Affected by Hip Bursitis?

Hip bursitis affects up to 15% of women and 8% of men over 50. It's particularly common in runners, cyclists, and individuals who spend long periods standing.

Recognition & Diagnosis

Symptoms & Diagnosis

Recognizing the signs of hip bursitis is essential for timely treatment and optimal recovery.

Common Symptoms

Hip Pain

Dull or sharp pain on the outer hip, often radiating to the thigh or buttock. Pain is typically worse with activity.

Pain When Lying Down

Discomfort when lying on the affected side, often making sleep difficult.

Stiffness

Morning stiffness or stiffness after prolonged sitting that improves with movement.

Limited Movement

Difficulty with activities like walking, climbing stairs, or getting in and out of a car.

Tenderness

Tenderness and swelling over the outer hip, especially when pressure is applied.

Diagnostic Methods

Physical Examination

Dr. Feghhi will evaluate hip movement, palpate for tenderness, and assess pain with specific movements to diagnose bursitis.

X-Rays

X-rays help rule out other conditions like arthritis, fractures, or bone spurs that may be causing symptoms.

MRI Scan

MRI provides detailed images of the bursae and surrounding tissues to confirm inflammation and rule out other conditions.

Bursa Aspiration

In some cases, fluid may be removed from the bursa to relieve swelling and test for infection or other conditions.

Treatment Options

Treatment for Hip Bursitis

Dr. Feghhi offers comprehensive treatment options tailored to the severity and type of your hip bursitis.

Conservative (Non-Surgical) Treatments

Rest & Activity Modification

Avoiding activities that aggravate hip pain and allowing inflammation to subside.

Ice Therapy

Applying ice to reduce inflammation and pain in the affected hip.

Physical Therapy

Targeted exercises to strengthen hip muscles and improve flexibility.

Anti-inflammatory Medications

NSAIDs to reduce pain and inflammation in the bursa.

Advanced Treatments

Cortisone Injections

Anti-inflammatory steroid injections directly into the bursa to provide rapid pain relief and reduce inflammation.

  • Quick pain relief
  • Reduces swelling
  • Minimally invasive

PRP Therapy

Platelet-rich plasma injections to promote natural healing of the bursa and surrounding tissues.

  • Natural healing
  • Regenerative
  • Outpatient procedure

Physical Therapy Modalities

Advanced therapies including ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and targeted stretching programs.

  • Customized programs
  • Long-term relief
  • Prevents recurrence

IT Band Release

For chronic cases, releasing the iliotibial band can relieve pressure on the trochanteric bursa.

  • Minimally invasive
  • Quick recovery
  • Long-lasting relief

Bursa Removal

In rare, chronic cases that don't respond to other treatments, surgical removal of the inflamed bursa may be recommended.

  • Permanent solution
  • Minimally invasive
  • High success rate

Lifestyle Modifications

Guidance on proper footwear, ergonomic adjustments, and activity modifications to prevent recurrence.

  • Prevents recurrence
  • Long-term management
  • Customized advice
Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to the most common questions about hip bursitis.

How long does it take to recover from hip bursitis?

Can hip bursitis heal on its own?

Is walking good for hip bursitis?

What is the best sleeping position with hip bursitis?

Does hip bursitis require surgery?

How can I prevent hip bursitis from returning?

Get Back to Pain-Free Movement

Don't let hip bursitis keep you from doing what you love. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Daniel Feghhi and get personalized treatment to return to your active lifestyle.

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Our Locations

Visit Our New Jersey Offices

Dr. Feghhi sees patients at multiple convenient locations throughout New Jersey.

Dover

400 W Blackwell St
Dover, NJ 07801

(973) 328-1200

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East Brunswick

East Brunswick, NJ

(732) 333-8700

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Elizabeth

Elizabeth, NJ

(908) 400-5990

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Hackensack

Hackensack, NJ

(201) 968-0230

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Wayne

Wayne, NJ

(973) 987-3040

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