Hip bursitis is a painful inflammation of the small, fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion the bones, tendons, and muscles near the hip joint. It’s most common in women and in people who are middle-aged or older.

Overusing the hip, for example, by running or standing too much, is the most common cause. A hip injury and certain diseases can also cause hip bursitis.

• Hip pain that usually:
  • Goes to outside of the thigh too.
  • Is worse at night.
  • Is worse when you lay on that hip or get up after sitting for a while.
• Swelling.

Hip bursitis usually goes away within a few weeks with rest but it can come back again. Treatments include:

• Avoiding activities that make the hip worse.
• Using a cane or crutches for a week or so.
• Pain medicines: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or acetaminophen:
  • NSAIDs like ibuprofen (e.g., Advil and Motrin) help relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol) relieves pain.
• Physical therapy to strengthen the hip and make it more flexible.
• Injection of steroids into the hip joint to relieve pain and increase function.
• Surgery is rarely needed. When it is, the surgeon drains or removes the bursa.