Medically Reviewed by
DR. MIR JAWAD ZAR KHANMBBS, MS - Orthopedic
M.CH-(Ortho) Joint
Replacement surgeon
If the outer side of your hip aches when you walk or lie on it, the problem is often not the joint at all.
Many people with pain on the outer side of the hip assume the hip joint is wearing out, but the most common cause of that specific pain is hip bursitis. A bursa is a small fluid-filled cushion that reduces friction where muscles and tendons glide over the bony point on the side of the hip. When it becomes inflamed, it causes a sharp or aching pain on the outer hip that is often worst when lying on that side at night, climbing stairs or getting up after sitting. The reassuring news is that hip bursitis is almost always treated successfully without surgery.
This guide, from the team of Dr. Mir Jawad Zar Khan, an orthopedic specialist with over 26 years of experience, explains what causes hip bursitis, how to recognise it, and the treatment that settles it. Whether you are in Hyderabad or anywhere in India, here is how to get the side of your hip comfortable again.
Nagging pain on the side of your hip? It is very treatable. Book a consultation with Dr. Jawad. Call 9989635555.
What Is Hip Bursitis?
Hip bursitis, often called trochanteric bursitis, is inflammation of the bursa on the outer point of the hip, known as the greater trochanter. The bursa normally lets tendons slide smoothly over the bone, but when it is irritated it swells and becomes painful. This produces the classic outer-hip pain that bursitis sufferers describe, distinct from the deep groin pain of hip joint arthritis. It is one of the most common causes of hip pain, especially in women and in middle age and beyond.
The Symptoms of Hip Bursitis
Pain on the Outer Hip
A sharp or aching pain over the bony point on the side of the hip, sometimes spreading down the outer thigh.
Worse Lying on That Side
Pain that flares at night when you lie on the affected hip is a hallmark of bursitis and often disturbs sleep.
Painful with Activity
Climbing stairs, getting up from a chair, walking long distances or standing for a while aggravates it.
Tender to Touch
The outer hip is often tender when pressed.
What Causes Hip Bursitis?
Hip bursitis usually develops from repeated friction or pressure on the bursa. Common causes include overuse from activities like running or long walks, weak or tight hip and buttock muscles that change how the hip moves, a difference in leg length, previous hip surgery, and prolonged pressure such as lying on a hard surface. It is also linked to other conditions around the hip, which is why identifying the exact source matters for effective treatment.
How Hip Bursitis Is Treated
Hip bursitis responds very well to non surgical treatment, and the large majority of people recover fully. Treatment calms the inflammation and corrects what caused it.
Activity Changes and Rest
Easing off the activities that aggravate the bursa, and avoiding lying on the painful side, lets the inflammation settle.
Physiotherapy
Strengthening and stretching the hip and buttock muscles corrects the movement problems that cause bursitis and prevents it returning. This is the most important long-term step.
Medication and Ice
Anti inflammatory medication and ice reduce pain and swelling in the early phase.
Targeted Injection
For stubborn cases, a precise injection into the bursa gives significant, often rapid relief, supported by our pain management team.
Surgery is very rarely needed for hip bursitis. Because outer-hip pain can occasionally come from the hip joint or the spine, a proper assessment confirms the diagnosis so you treat the right thing. Our hip pain treatment in Hyderabad page explains the non surgical care in detail, and if the hip joint itself is involved, our hip replacement surgery in Hyderabad and joint replacement surgery in Hyderabad pages cover the wider options.
Get the side of your hip comfortable again. Book an assessment with Dr. Jawad at Germanten Hospitals, Attapur, Hyderabad today. Call 9989635555.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does hip bursitis feel like?
A sharp or aching pain over the bony point on the outer side of the hip, often worse when lying on that side at night, climbing stairs, or getting up after sitting, and tender to touch.
What causes hip bursitis?
Repeated friction or pressure on the bursa, often from overuse, weak or tight hip muscles, a leg-length difference, previous hip surgery, or prolonged pressure on the hip.
How do you treat hip bursitis?
Most cases settle with activity changes, physiotherapy to strengthen and stretch the hip muscles, anti inflammatory medication and ice, and a targeted injection for stubborn cases. Surgery is rarely needed.
How long does hip bursitis take to heal?
Many cases improve within a few weeks with the right treatment, though it can take longer if the underlying muscle weakness is not addressed, which is why physiotherapy is so important.
Is hip bursitis the same as hip arthritis?
No. Bursitis causes pain on the outer side of the hip from an inflamed bursa, while hip arthritis causes deep groin pain from joint wear. They are different and are treated differently, so an accurate diagnosis matters.
DR. MIR JAWAD ZAR KHAN
MBBS, MS - Orthopedic, M.CH-(Ortho) Joint Replacement Surgeon
As the visionary Chairman and Managing Director of Germanten Hospitals, Hyderabad, Dr. Mir Jawad Zar Khan brings over two decades of surgical leadership to the field. He is dedicated to transforming lives through evidence-based treatments, advanced robotic technology, and a commitment to patient quality of life.
