This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized guidance and treatment.

What is hip bursitis?

Hip bursitis refers to inflammation of bursae near the hip joint, most often the trochanteric bursa on the outside of the upper thigh. Symptoms include sharp or aching pain over the outer hip that may worsen with pressure, climbing stairs, or lying on the affected side. Hip bursitis can be caused by overuse, repetitive motion, biomechanical issues such as leg-length differences, or secondary to arthritis. A clinician will use history, physical exam, and sometimes imaging like ultrasound or MRI to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other sources of hip pain.

How does bursitis affect walking?

Pain and stiffness from hip bursitis can change a person’s gait, causing limp, shorter steps, or avoidance of weight-bearing on the affected side. This altered walking pattern may relieve immediate pain but can place extra stress on the lower back, knees, and opposite hip, potentially creating new problems. Early management focuses on pain control and restoring normal movement patterns through guided stretching and strengthening. Small adjustments to footwear, pacing activity, and brief periods of reduced walking can help while healing progresses.

Non-surgical bursitis treatments

First-line treatments are conservative. Rest from aggravating activities, ice, compression, and elevation (as practical) reduce inflammation. Over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatory medications can help short-term but should be used according to medical advice, especially in people with other conditions. Physical therapy emphasizes hip abductor and gluteal strengthening, IT band stretching, posture and gait retraining, and gradual return to walking. Image-guided corticosteroid injections into the bursa can provide sustained relief for many patients. Emerging nonoperative options like platelet-rich plasma are being studied, but evidence varies; discuss risks and benefits with a clinician.

When is surgery considered for bursitis?

Surgery is reserved for persistent bursitis that does not respond to adequate conservative care, typically after several months. Procedures may include bursectomy (removal of the inflamed bursa), decompression of surrounding soft tissues, or release of tight structures such as the iliotibial band. Surgical outcomes often depend on accurate diagnosis and correction of underlying biomechanical issues. Risks include infection, incomplete relief, and rehabilitation time. A surgeon will consider imaging findings, prior treatments, activity goals, and overall health before recommending surgery.

Managing bursitis in the elderly

Older adults may have different priorities and risks: slower tissue healing, higher prevalence of arthritis, and medication sensitivities. Corticosteroid injections can be effective but require judgement in people with diabetes, osteoporosis, or immune suppression. Physical therapy tailored to balance, gentle strengthening, and safe walking mechanics is especially valuable to reduce fall risk and maintain independence. Assistive devices, shoe modifications, and home safety adjustments support safer walking during recovery. Care plans should coordinate with primary care, considering comorbidities and the full medication list.

Conclusion

Many cases of hip bursitis improve with conservative measures that reduce inflammation, correct movement patterns, and protect the joint during recovery. Injections can offer additional relief when needed, and surgery is an option for carefully selected, persistent cases. Individual factors such as age, activity level, and other health conditions shape the most appropriate treatment approach. For tailored diagnosis and management, consult a qualified healthcare professional.