Hip Bursitis: Calming Outer Hip Pain and Restoring Comfort
Pain on the outside of the hip can make sleeping, walking, and climbing stairs uncomfortable. One common cause is hip bursitis, an irritation of the fluid-filled sac that cushions the outer hip. The encouraging news is that this condition usually responds well to conservative treatment.
What Is Hip Bursitis?
A bursa is a small, fluid-filled sac that reduces friction between bones, muscles, and tendons. The bursa on the outer hip, near the bony prominence called the greater trochanter, can become inflamed and painful. This is often referred to as greater trochanteric pain.
What Causes It
Hip bursitis can develop from a variety of causes, including:
- Repetitive activities such as running or cycling
- Prolonged pressure from lying on one side
- Weakness in the hip and gluteal muscles
- Poor movement mechanics and muscle imbalances
- A sudden increase in activity levels
Recognizing the Symptoms
Common signs of hip bursitis include:
- Pain and tenderness on the outer hip
- Discomfort that worsens when lying on the affected side
- Pain with prolonged walking or climbing stairs
- Aching that may radiate down the outside of the thigh
Why the Gluteal Muscles Matter
In many cases, hip bursitis is not just an isolated inflammation. It is frequently linked to weakness or poor function of the gluteal muscles and the tendons that attach nearby. When these muscles are weak, the outer hip absorbs excess stress, leading to irritation. This is why strengthening is so important.
How Physical Therapy Helps
At Injury Docs, our treatment for hip bursitis focuses on:
- Strengthening the gluteal and hip stabilizing muscles
- Improving movement mechanics during walking and stairs
- Manual therapy to reduce tension in surrounding tissues
- Activity modification to allow irritation to settle
- Guidance on positions and habits that reduce pressure on the hip
Managing the Irritation
Early on, calming the inflamed bursa is a priority. This may involve modifying aggravating activities, adjusting sleep positions, and using techniques to reduce discomfort so you can participate fully in your rehabilitation.
Getting to the Root Cause
Simply resting often provides only temporary relief because it does not address why the bursa became irritated in the first place. A thorough assessment identifies the underlying weaknesses and movement patterns driving your symptoms, allowing for lasting improvement.
Preventing Recurrence
Once your pain settles, maintaining strong hips and good movement habits is the best way to keep bursitis from returning. A well-designed program not only relieves current symptoms but also builds resilience for the future.
At Injury Docs in Van Nuys, we help patients overcome hip bursitis and return to comfortable, active living. Contact us today to book an appointment and take the pressure off your hip.