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Understanding Bursitis Around The Hip

Why The Outside Of Your Hip May Hurt When Walking, Climbing Stairs, Or Lying DownUploaded Image

You roll onto your side in bed and suddenly your hip aches.

Maybe the outside of your hip becomes sore after a long walk, climbing stairs, standing for hours, or increasing your workouts.

And when you press the bony area on the side of your hip, it feels unusually tender.

One possible explanation is greater trochanteric pain syndrome, which can involve irritation of the tissues around the outside of the hip, including the trochanteric bursa and nearby tendons.

Many people simply refer to this type of discomfort as hip bursitis.

Unlike pain that comes primarily from deep inside the hip joint, this type of pain is usually felt along the outside of the hip and may sometimes extend down the outer thigh.

At Z-2-H Family Med & Urgent Care, our providers can evaluate appropriate non-emergency hip and musculoskeletal concerns and help determine whether bursitis, tendon irritation, arthritis, referred pain, or another condition may be contributing.

What Is Hip Bursitis?

A bursa is a small fluid-filled sac that helps reduce friction where muscles, tendons, and other tissues move over bone.

There are bursae throughout the body, including around the:

  • Shoulders
  • Elbows
  • Hips
  • Knees
  • Heels

Near the outside of the hip is the greater trochanter, a prominent part of the upper thigh bone.

A bursa located around this area can become irritated and painful.

What Is Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome?

The term greater trochanteric pain syndrome, or GTPS, is often more accurate than simply saying hip bursitis.

Why?

Because pain along the outside of the hip does not always come from the bursa alone.

Nearby structures—particularly the gluteal tendons—may also contribute.

In some patients, both tendon irritation and bursal inflammation may be present.

Quick Answer: What Does Hip Bursitis Feel Like?

Hip bursitis or greater trochanteric pain commonly causes tenderness and aching along the outside of the hip.

Pain may become more noticeable when:

  • Lying on the affected side
  • Walking
  • Climbing stairs
  • Standing for long periods
  • Running
  • Getting up from a chair
  • Pressing directly over the outside of the hip

Some people also experience discomfort extending down the outside of the thigh.

Where Does Hip Bursitis Hurt?

The pain is usually centered over the outside of the hip.

If you place your hand along the side of your upper thigh near the hip, you may be able to identify one particularly tender area.

Pain may sometimes extend:

OUTER HIP → OUTER THIGH

However, it typically does not travel all the way into the foot.

The location of the pain provides an important clue when determining its cause.

Why Does My Hip Hurt When I Sleep On My Side?

This is one of the most common complaints associated with lateral hip pain.

When you lie directly on the painful side, your body weight creates pressure over the irritated tissues.

That pressure may make the area ache or become sharply uncomfortable.

Some people wake repeatedly because they roll onto the affected hip during the night.

Can The Other Side Hurt Too?

Interestingly, lying on the opposite side can sometimes also aggravate symptoms.

The upper leg may fall inward toward the mattress, creating compression or tension around the painful outer hip.

A pillow placed between the knees may make side sleeping more comfortable for some people.

How Should You Sleep With Outer Hip Pain?

Comfortable positioning varies, but you may try:

  • Avoiding direct pressure on the painful hip
  • Sleeping on your back
  • Placing a pillow between your knees when side sleeping
  • Keeping the legs supported
  • Avoiding positions that clearly increase pain

The goal is simply to reduce prolonged compression of the irritated area.

Why Does My Hip Hurt When Walking?

Walking repeatedly loads the muscles and tendons around the hip.

When these tissues are irritated, longer walks may cause increasing discomfort.

You may notice that:

  • Short distances feel fine
  • Pain gradually increases
  • Hills are worse
  • The hip aches afterward

The amount of activity the hip can tolerate varies from person to person.

Why Does My Hip Hurt On Stairs?

Climbing stairs requires the hip muscles to work harder to stabilize and lift the body.

The muscles around the outside of the hip are especially important for maintaining pelvic stability.

When these tissues are irritated, stairs may become uncomfortable.

Why Does Standing On One Leg Hurt?

Standing on one leg places additional demand on the muscles that stabilize the pelvis.

You do this frequently without realizing it.

Examples include:

  • Putting on pants
  • Stepping into a shower
  • Climbing stairs
  • Getting into a car
  • Walking

Pain during these movements may provide useful information during an evaluation.

Can Running Cause Hip Bursitis?

Running can aggravate lateral hip pain, particularly when training demands suddenly increase.

Examples include:

  • Increasing mileage quickly
  • Adding hills
  • Running more frequently
  • Increasing speed
  • Returning after a long break
  • Changing several training variables simultaneously

Running itself is not automatically harmful.

The problem may be that the current training load exceeds what the hip tissues are prepared to tolerate.

Can Walking Too Much Cause It?

A sudden increase in walking may contribute to symptoms.

For example, someone who normally walks:

3,000 STEPS PER DAY

and suddenly spends a vacation walking:

15,000+ STEPS PER DAY

may develop soreness because the tissues are experiencing a much larger workload than usual.

This does not necessarily mean the hip has been seriously damaged.

Can A New Workout Trigger Hip Pain?

Yes.

Symptoms may develop after suddenly adding:

  • Squats
  • Lunges
  • Running
  • Stair workouts
  • Hiking
  • High-intensity classes
  • Heavy lower-body training

The body generally adapts better when exercise demands increase gradually.

Can Sitting Cause Hip Bursitis?

Prolonged sitting is not necessarily a direct cause, but certain sitting positions may aggravate outer hip pain.

Examples include:

  • Sitting with legs crossed
  • Leaning heavily toward one side
  • Sitting in very low chairs
  • Remaining in one position for long periods

Changing positions periodically may help.

Should You Stop Crossing Your Legs?

Crossing the legs may increase compression around the outer hip in some people.

If you notice that it consistently worsens symptoms, temporarily avoiding that position may help.

Not everyone with lateral hip pain needs to permanently stop crossing their legs.

Can Standing All Day Make It Worse?

Yes.

Long periods of standing may increase the workload on the hip muscles.

This can be particularly noticeable in jobs involving:

  • Retail
  • Healthcare
  • Teaching
  • Warehousing
  • Food service
  • Manufacturing
  • Construction

Symptoms may gradually increase as the day progresses.

Who Gets Hip Bursitis?

Outer hip pain can affect many people.

It may be associated with:

  • Repetitive activity
  • Running
  • Walking
  • Hip muscle weakness
  • Sudden training changes
  • Previous injuries
  • Certain movement patterns
  • Other hip or back conditions

Age and individual anatomy may also influence risk.

Can Women Get Hip Bursitis More Often?

Greater trochanteric pain syndrome is frequently diagnosed in women, particularly during middle age and later adulthood.

However, it can occur in:

  • Men
  • Younger adults
  • Athletes
  • Older adults

Symptoms should be evaluated based on the individual rather than assuming a diagnosis based on age or sex.

Does Hip Bursitis Cause Groin Pain?

Classic lateral hip bursitis or greater trochanteric pain usually causes pain along the outside of the hip.

Pain primarily in the groin may suggest a different source, including a problem involving the hip joint itself.

This distinction can be helpful:

OUTER HIP PAIN

May suggest greater trochanteric pain.

GROIN / DEEP HIP PAIN

May suggest hip-joint involvement.

This is not a perfect diagnostic rule, however.

Hip Bursitis Vs. Hip Arthritis

These conditions can sometimes feel similar.

Hip Bursitis / GTPS

More commonly causes:

  • Outer hip pain
  • Tenderness when pressed
  • Pain lying on the side
  • Pain with walking or stairs

Hip Arthritis

May cause:

  • Groin pain
  • Deep hip pain
  • Stiffness
  • Reduced movement
  • Difficulty putting on shoes or socks

A physical examination can help distinguish them.

Hip Bursitis Vs. Sciatica

Sciatica involves irritation of the sciatic nerve or related nerve roots.

It may cause:

  • Buttock pain
  • Pain traveling down the leg
  • Tingling
  • Numbness
  • Burning
  • Weakness

Hip bursitis typically causes more localized outer-hip tenderness and does not usually produce classic nerve symptoms.

Does Hip Bursitis Cause Numbness?

Numbness and tingling are not classic symptoms of uncomplicated hip bursitis.

If you have:

  • Numbness
  • Tingling
  • Burning
  • Significant weakness
  • Pain traveling far down the leg

a nerve-related problem may need to be considered.

Hip Bursitis Vs. Lower Back Pain

Problems involving the lower back can sometimes produce pain around the:

  • Buttocks
  • Hip
  • Outer thigh

A provider may therefore examine both the hip and lower back when the source of symptoms isn't obvious.

Hip Bursitis Vs. Muscle Strain

A muscle strain often develops after:

  • Sudden movement
  • Heavy lifting
  • Sprinting
  • Sports
  • Overstretching

The pain may occur within a particular muscle and become worse when that muscle contracts.

Greater trochanteric pain tends to center around the outside of the hip.

Hip Bursitis Vs. Gluteal Tendon Pain

These conditions often overlap.

The gluteal tendons attach near the greater trochanter.

Tendon irritation may produce:

  • Outer hip pain
  • Pain when walking
  • Pain on stairs
  • Pain lying on the side

This overlap is one reason the broader term greater trochanteric pain syndrome is commonly used.

Does Hip Bursitis Cause Swelling?

Visible swelling is not always present.

The bursa is located beneath layers of tissue, so inflammation may cause pain without creating an obvious external lump.

Significant swelling, redness, or warmth deserves additional attention.

Can Both Hips Hurt?

Yes.

Some people develop symptoms on both sides.

This may occur when contributing factors affect both hips, such as:

  • Activity patterns
  • Strength
  • Walking mechanics
  • Certain repetitive movements

One side may still be more painful than the other.

Does Hip Bursitis Hurt At Night?

It can.

Nighttime pain is especially common when someone sleeps on the affected side.

However, persistent severe nighttime pain that does not change with position, particularly when accompanied by other concerning symptoms, deserves medical evaluation.

Does Hip Bursitis Cause Morning Stiffness?

Some people notice stiffness when first getting out of bed.

The hip may feel better after gentle movement.

Significant or prolonged morning stiffness may also occur with other musculoskeletal or inflammatory conditions, so the overall symptom pattern matters.

How Is Hip Bursitis Diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically begins with medical history and physical examination.

Your provider may ask:

  • Where exactly does it hurt?
  • Does lying on the hip hurt?
  • Do stairs make it worse?
  • Did you recently increase exercise?
  • Is there groin pain?
  • Does pain travel down the leg?
  • Is there numbness?
  • Was there an injury?
  • How long have symptoms been present?

These questions help narrow down the possible cause.

What Happens During The Hip Exam?

A provider may evaluate:

  • Tenderness
  • Hip movement
  • Strength
  • Walking
  • Balance
  • Range of motion
  • Lower-back symptoms
  • Leg symptoms

Certain movements may be used to help determine whether pain is coming from the outer hip, hip joint, lower back, or another structure.

Do You Need An X-Ray?

Not every patient with suspected hip bursitis needs an X-ray.

An X-ray may be considered when a provider wants to evaluate for:

  • Arthritis
  • Bone abnormalities
  • Previous injury
  • Fracture

Bursae and tendons themselves are not well visualized on standard X-rays.

Do You Need An MRI?

MRI is not routinely necessary for every case.

It may be considered when:

  • Symptoms persist
  • The diagnosis is unclear
  • A tendon injury is suspected
  • Another condition needs to be evaluated

Imaging should be based on the individual situation.

Does Hip Bursitis Go Away?

Many cases improve with appropriate conservative management.

Recovery may depend on:

  • How long symptoms have been present
  • Daily activity
  • Exercise demands
  • Strength
  • Underlying conditions
  • Whether aggravating movements continue

Symptoms may improve gradually rather than disappearing overnight.

How Long Does Hip Bursitis Last?

There is no single recovery timeline.

Some mild cases may improve over several weeks.

Long-standing greater trochanteric pain may take longer and may require a more structured rehabilitation approach.

Repeatedly aggravating the area can prolong symptoms.

Should You Rest?

Relative rest may help.

That means temporarily reducing activities that significantly worsen pain rather than becoming completely inactive.

For example:

PAINFUL 5-MILE WALK → TEMPORARILY REDUCE DISTANCE

rather than:

HIP HURTS → NEVER WALK

Maintaining comfortable activity can be useful.

Can Ice Help?

Cold therapy may provide temporary comfort after activity.

If using ice:

  • Wrap it in cloth
  • Avoid placing it directly on skin
  • Limit application time

Ice may reduce discomfort but does not address every contributing factor.

Can Heat Help?

Some people prefer warmth for stiffness.

Heat may be helpful before gentle movement or exercise.

Avoid excessively hot temperatures and stop if heat worsens symptoms.

Can Anti-Inflammatory Medication Help?

NSAIDs may sometimes be recommended for pain or inflammation.

However, they are not appropriate for everyone.

Extra caution may be necessary with:

  • Kidney disease
  • Stomach ulcers
  • Bleeding disorders
  • Certain heart conditions
  • Pregnancy
  • Medication interactions

Ask a healthcare professional or pharmacist when unsure.

What Exercises Help Hip Bursitis?

Exercise-based rehabilitation may be helpful for many patients with greater trochanteric pain.

Programs may focus on strengthening the:

  • Gluteal muscles
  • Hip abductors
  • Core
  • Surrounding lower-extremity muscles

The goal is to improve the hip's ability to tolerate everyday activity.

Why Are The Glutes Important?

The gluteal muscles help stabilize the pelvis while you:

  • Walk
  • Run
  • Climb stairs
  • Stand on one leg

Improving strength and control may reduce excessive stress around the lateral hip.

Should You Stretch The Hip?

It depends.

Some stretches may feel comfortable.

Others may increase compression of already irritated outer-hip tissues.

Aggressively stretching into pain is not necessary.

A rehabilitation professional can help determine which movements are appropriate.

Can A Steroid Injection Help?

Corticosteroid injections may be considered for selected patients.

They may provide temporary symptom relief by reducing inflammation.

However, injections:

  • Are not appropriate for everyone
  • Have potential risks
  • Do not necessarily correct underlying strength or load issues
  • May not provide permanent relief

Treatment should be individualized.

Does Hip Bursitis Need Surgery?

Surgery is uncommon for typical greater trochanteric pain.

Most patients are initially managed with conservative approaches.

Persistent symptoms despite appropriate treatment may warrant specialist evaluation.

Can You Exercise With Hip Bursitis?

Often, yes.

The key is choosing activities the hip can tolerate.

You may temporarily modify:

  • Running distance
  • Hill work
  • Squat depth
  • Lunges
  • Stair workouts
  • Heavy lower-body exercises

The goal is to reduce aggravation while gradually rebuilding capacity.

Should You Push Through The Pain?

Repeatedly forcing yourself through worsening pain may prolong symptoms.

A better approach is:

NOTICE PAIN → ADJUST LOAD → MAINTAIN TOLERABLE ACTIVITY → GRADUALLY REBUILD

Pain does not always mean damage, but it can signal that the current workload needs adjustment.

Can Weight Loss Help Hip Pain?

Body weight is only one of many factors affecting musculoskeletal symptoms.

For some individuals, reducing excess mechanical load may help improve comfort and mobility.

However, hip pain should not automatically be blamed on body weight.

Strength, activity patterns, injury history, joint conditions, and other factors also matter.

Can Hip Bursitis Come Back?

Yes.

Symptoms may recur if the tissues are repeatedly exposed to more load than they can tolerate.

Maintaining:

  • Strength
  • Gradual exercise progression
  • Appropriate recovery
  • Comfortable movement habits

may help reduce recurrence.

How Can You Help Prevent Outer Hip Pain?

Helpful strategies may include:

  • Increase exercise gradually
  • Avoid sudden mileage jumps
  • Strengthen hip muscles
  • Include recovery days
  • Change positions during prolonged sitting
  • Avoid repeatedly sleeping directly on a painful hip
  • Address symptoms before they become severe

There is no single prevention strategy that works for everyone.

What If Hip Pain Started After A Fall?

Pain after significant trauma should not automatically be assumed to be bursitis.

A fall can cause:

  • Bruising
  • Muscle injuries
  • Tendon injuries
  • Fractures

Older adults and people with osteoporosis may be at greater risk for fracture.

Significant pain after a fall deserves medical evaluation.

When Should You Schedule An Evaluation?

Consider having hip pain evaluated when:

  • Symptoms persist
  • Pain keeps returning
  • Walking becomes uncomfortable
  • Stairs repeatedly hurt
  • Sleep is disrupted
  • Exercise becomes limited
  • The area remains very tender
  • You aren't sure whether the pain is coming from the hip or back
  • Symptoms aren't improving with reasonable activity modification

An evaluation can help identify the likely source of pain.

When Does Hip Pain Need Prompt Medical Attention?

Seek prompt evaluation for:

  • Severe pain after a fall
  • Inability to bear weight
  • Significant weakness
  • Visible deformity
  • Increasing redness or warmth
  • Significant swelling
  • Fever with a painful hip
  • New substantial numbness
  • Rapidly worsening symptoms

These symptoms are not typical of uncomplicated hip bursitis.

What If I Can't Put Weight On My Leg?

Inability to bear weight after an injury requires prompt medical evaluation.

A fracture or another significant injury may need to be ruled out.

Do not assume severe post-injury hip pain is simply inflammation.

What If My Hip Is Red, Hot, And Swollen?

Increasing:

  • Redness
  • Warmth
  • Swelling

especially with fever or feeling ill, requires prompt medical attention.

Although uncommon, infection around a joint or bursa can be serious.

What To Expect During Your Visit

For appropriate non-emergency outer-hip pain, your provider may:

  • Review your symptoms
  • Ask about recent activity changes
  • Ask about injuries
  • Examine the hip
  • Assess tenderness
  • Check range of motion
  • Evaluate strength
  • Ask about lower-back symptoms
  • Check for nerve-related symptoms
  • Determine whether imaging is appropriate
  • Recommend treatment or referral when necessary

The goal is to determine where the pain is actually coming from.

Why Choose Z-2-H Family Med & Urgent Care?

Our providers can evaluate many appropriate non-emergency hip, joint, and musculoskeletal concerns.

Depending on your symptoms, an evaluation may include:

  • Medical history
  • Hip examination
  • Range-of-motion assessment
  • Strength evaluation
  • Injury assessment
  • Review of exercise and daily activities
  • Conservative treatment recommendations
  • Imaging or specialist referral when appropriate

If symptoms suggest a fracture, infection, significant injury, or another condition requiring a higher level of care, appropriate next steps can be recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Does Hip Bursitis Feel Like?

Hip bursitis or greater trochanteric pain commonly causes tenderness and aching along the outside of the hip, especially when lying on that side, walking, climbing stairs, or pressing over the area.

Why Does My Hip Hurt When I Sleep On My Side?

Side sleeping places direct pressure on tissues around the outside of the hip and may aggravate an irritated bursa or nearby tendons.

Where Is Hip Bursitis Pain Located?

Pain is typically located along the outside of the hip near the greater trochanter and may extend down the outer thigh.

Is Hip Bursitis The Same As Arthritis?

No. Hip bursitis involves tissues around the outside of the hip, while arthritis affects the joint itself. Arthritis often causes deeper hip or groin pain and stiffness.

Can Hip Bursitis Cause Groin Pain?

Outer-hip pain is more typical. Significant groin pain may suggest involvement of the hip joint or another condition.

Can Hip Bursitis Cause Numbness?

Numbness and tingling are not classic symptoms. These symptoms may suggest nerve involvement or another condition.

Can Walking Make Hip Bursitis Worse?

Long walks or sudden increases in activity can aggravate symptoms when the outer-hip tissues are already irritated.

Should I Stop Exercising?

Not necessarily. Temporarily modifying activities that significantly aggravate pain while maintaining tolerable movement is often more practical than complete inactivity.

How Long Does Hip Bursitis Last?

Recovery varies. Some cases improve within weeks, while persistent greater trochanteric pain may require longer-term activity modification and rehabilitation.

When Should Hip Pain Be Evaluated?

Consider evaluation when pain persists, repeatedly disrupts sleep, limits walking or exercise, or does not improve with reasonable activity changes.

Call To Action

If pain along the outside of your hip is making it uncomfortable to walk, climb stairs, exercise, or sleep on your side, consider having your symptoms evaluated.

The providers at Z-2-H Family Med & Urgent Care can evaluate appropriate non-emergency hip and musculoskeletal concerns and help determine whether bursitis, tendon irritation, arthritis, referred pain, or another condition may be contributing.

We proudly serve patients in Brownwood, Keller, Arlington, and surrounding Texas communities.

Learn more about our Primary Care and Urgent Care services:
https://www.z-2-h.com

Schedule an appointment:
https://www.z-2-h.com

Hip Pain Safety Reminder

Severe pain following a fall, inability to bear weight, visible deformity, significant swelling, or a red, hot, painful hip accompanied by fever requires prompt medical evaluation.