Hip bursitis is a painful condition that occurs when the fluid-filled sacs (bursae) around your hip joint become inflamed. While many people improve with rest and simple care at home, there are times when symptoms signal the need for professional treatment.
At Great Lakes Orthopedics, we provide expert orthopedic and podiatric care across St. John, Crown Point, and Lowell, Indiana. Our experienced team specializes in hip bursitis diagnosis and treatment, helping patients reduce pain, restore mobility, and return to their daily activities. If hip pain is interfering with your life, our specialists are here to help.
Let’s take a closer look at the symptoms and warning signs that indicate it’s time to see a doctor.
Red Flag Symptoms of Worsening Bursitis
Bursitis in the hip often improves with rest and activity changes, but seek medical care promptly if you notice any of the following:
1) Pain That Persists or Escalates
Pain lasting longer than two weeks, pain that wakes you at night, or pain that limits daily tasks (walking, standing, getting in/out of a car) signals the need for a professional assessment.
2) Visible Inflammation
Redness, warmth, or noticeable swelling around the outer hip suggests significant inflammation. This can overlap with tendon irritation or other joint issues that benefit from targeted treatment.
3) Fever or Illness Signs
If hip pain is paired with fever, chills, or feeling unwell, infection of the bursa (septic bursitis) must be ruled out. Infection requires medical care and should not be managed at home.
4) Spreading or Atypical Pain
Bursitis pain is usually localized to the outer hip and tender to touch. Pain deep in the groin, sharp catching, or numbness/tingling may suggest a different diagnosis and warrants an exam.
5) Sudden Pain After a Fall or Injury
A fall or direct blow followed by severe pain or difficulty bearing weight needs urgent evaluation to rule out fracture or other injury.
Timeline of Typical Symptom Resolution
Most mild cases improve within two to six weeks with rest, ice, activity modification, and gradual return to movement. Stiffness often eases first; tenderness with pressure (like lying on the side) may linger. If symptoms do not improve by 3–6 weeks or flare repeatedly, schedule an appointment for a more complete plan.
- Week 1–2: Reduce aggravating activities; use ice 15–20 minutes as needed; consider short-term anti-inflammatories if appropriate.
- Week 2–4: Add gentle stretching and basic hip stability work; avoid sleeping on the painful side.
- Week 4–6: Progress strengthening and balance; resume normal activities if pain-free.
When Home Care Is Not Enough
Home strategies are a smart first step, but there are limits. Move beyond self-care when:
- Pain interrupts sleep or daily function despite rest and activity changes.
- You’ve tried how to treat bursitis at home (ice, short activity break, simple stretches) without improvement.
- Pain returns quickly after short-term relief, suggesting underlying biomechanics (gait, hip weakness, or foot alignment) need attention.
- Pain location or character changes (groin pain, locking, instability).
Our clinicians assess the hip, surrounding muscles, and your movement pattern to address root causes—not just symptoms.
Risks of Complications if Untreated
Ignoring persistent bursitis increases the chance of:
- Chronic pain and stiffness: Ongoing inflammation can sensitize tissues, making flares more frequent.
- Limited mobility: Guarding and inactivity weaken hip stabilizers and reduce range of motion.
- Septic bursitis: Though uncommon, infection requires prompt medical care.
- Compensation injuries: Altered gait can stress the low back, knees, and ankles.
Early, targeted care lowers these risks and shortens recovery time.
Hip Bursitis Diagnosis: What to Expect
A precise hip bursitis diagnosis begins with a focused history and exam:
- History: Onset, location (outer hip vs deep groin), triggers (stairs, side-lying), previous injuries, and activity level.
- Physical exam: Palpation for point tenderness over the greater trochanter; assessment of hip strength and flexibility; gait review.
- Testing when appropriate: If symptoms are atypical or persistent, your provider may order imaging or other tests to clarify the diagnosis and guide care.
This stepwise approach ensures that bursitis in the hip is distinguished from tendon tears, arthritis, or referred pain from the spine.
Treatment Options: From Conservative to Advanced
Your plan is customized to your symptoms, activity level, and goals. Treatments may include:
Conservative Care (First-Line)
- Activity modification & relative rest: Briefly reduce aggravating tasks (long walks, hilly terrain, side-lying on the affected hip).
- Ice and symptom control: Apply ice 15–20 minutes; use over-the-counter pain relief as appropriate.
- Targeted exercises: Gentle hip abductor and core strengthening plus flexibility work to unload the irritated bursa.
- Sleep and footwear changes: Pillow between knees; supportive shoes for better alignment.
Guided Rehabilitation
- Physical therapy: Progresses from pain control to mobility, then strength and return to activity. Emphasis on movement quality, posture, and gait mechanics.
Interventions When Needed
- Injection therapy: Corticosteroid injections can calm inflammation and enable rehab.
- Aspiration: In selected swollen cases, removing fluid can relieve pressure and may aid diagnosis.
- Surgical options (rare): Considered only when conservative care is exhausted.
At Great Lakes Orthopedics, we prioritize safe, effective hip bursitis treatment and coordinate care to match your goals—whether that’s walking pain-free, returning to work, or getting back to sport.
How to Treat Bursitis at Home—Safely
- Start slowly: Reduce irritating activities for several days.
- Use ice smartly: 15–20 minutes, up to a few times daily.
- Stretch with care: Light hip flexor, gluteal, and IT band mobility—never push through sharp pain.
- Strengthen steadily: Side-lying leg raises, bridges, and standing hip abduction as tolerated.
- Monitor progress: Improvement should be gradual week to week.
If you’re unsure which exercises are right for you, our team can tailor a plan and update it as you improve.
Get Expert Help for Hip Bursitis
Hip bursitis responds best to timely, targeted care. Recognizing red flags early and acting on them can prevent lingering pain and get you back to daily life faster. Great Lakes Orthopedics offers personalized evaluation and treatment plans to help you move with confidence again.
Ready for relief? Call (219) 365-0220 or request an appointment online today. With convenient offices in St. John, Crown Point, and Lowell, help is nearby.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long should I try home care before seeing a doctor?
If pain lasts beyond two weeks or limits sleep or walking, schedule an evaluation.
2. Where exactly does bursitis in the hip hurt?
Hip bursitis typically hurts on the outer hip, tender to the touch. Lying on that side often worsens pain.
3. Can I keep exercising with hip bursitis?
Yes, low-impact activity and guided strengthening may actually be helpful. If you experience sharp pain, stop the exercise immediately.
4. Do I need imaging for a hip bursitis diagnosis?
Not always. Imaging may be used if symptoms persist or the pattern is atypical.
5.What if injections don’t help?
We reassess your plan—optimize rehab, review contributing factors, and consider other options. Surgery is rarely needed.
