Hip bursitis as an injury or issue is a very common complaint. Bursitis is an inflammation or irritation of a bursa sac. These are fluid filled and serve to reduce friction between muscles and tendons/muscle over bone. Quite often any time a person experiences outer hip pain they automatically assume it is hip bursitis. But is it really?

To know the true source is to first understand the problem and its behavior. We must know what triggers the pain? Is there pain at rest? What is the quality of pain? Plus even more questions.

So what will distinguish hip bursitis from some other potential sources?

Well for one, bursitis pain will typically be constant. It is one with less variability in terms of the aggravating factors because it always hurts. And it does not calm down with avoiding activity. If the pain is more directly related to specific movements or activities and will lessen with inactivity then bursitis is less likely the main cause.

From a quality standpoint, often individuals with a true bursitis will report more of a dull achy sensation. At times, a more tense/burny feeling will also be reported. These feelings will be more constant and unvarying with a person’s activities.

Often when people experience these symptoms, they will try rest, ice, and use NSAIDs likely with varying degrees of success. Additionally, steroid injections are frequently performed. The injection may work fully, temporarily, or not at all. If it does not work, then bursitis is likely not the cause.

In the end, the root cause of the issue must be discovered and addressed. Ultimately by addressing the cause, be it flexibility, strength, or control a person is likely to achieve long-term success…And avoid the all to common “re-lapse” of symptoms.

Struggling with outer hip pain and not sure what to do? This is where a muscle and joint expert can be invaluable to root out the cause and direct a corrective action plan.

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