Bursitis is a common cause of hip pain in adults. Typically, this is felt on the side of the hip. A bursa is a thin space between bone and soft tissue structures to help reduce friction. There are many areas where bursae are located throughout the body; when they are inflamed you get “bursitis.” The most common bursitis in the hip is in the greater trochanteric region of the femur and its relationship with the hip stabilizing gluteal muscles and iliotibial band (a thick tissue structure on the side of the thigh).
Trochanteric bursitis will cause pain when lying on that side but can also occur when going from sitting to standing or with extended periods of activity.
Examination will find point tenderness at the bone on the side of your hip. These conditions will not typically show up on radiographs (“xrays”). This is an inflammatory process that can “come and go” based on activity level, tendon tightness, and muscle weakness. Treatment is nonsurgical and involves anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), avoiding pressure to the area, and often physical therapy (stretching/ strengthening). If symptoms do not improve, a corticosteroid injection into the bursa may be indicated.
The specialists at New Braunfels Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine are always here to help! We can perform in-office evaluations and can administer steroid injections with a local anesthetic to provide relief if necessary.
