Hip Bursitis

Hip Bursitis Overview

Bursae are fluid-filled sacs that lie between joint bones and soft tissues. The two hip bursae are located on the hip bone point (the greater trochanter) and the inside of the hip near the groin. Hip bursitis is inflammation of the hip bursae. An appointment with a Carolina Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical Associates (CONA) hip specialist should be made when hip bursitis symptoms are experienced. Thankfully this treatment is minimally invasive, unlike orthopedic hip surgery, should you ever need it.

Common Treatments:

Nonsurgical treatment options treat almost all cases. After a thorough evaluation, a CONA hip specialist may recommend:

• Activity modification
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Assistive devices (crutches, walker, cane)
• Corticosteroid injection
• Physical therapy

A treatment plan usually consists of multiple treatment options that quickly relieve symptoms. Surgical removal of the inflamed bursa is rarely recommended.

Hip Bursitis Diagnosis:

A CONA uses a step-by-step diagnostic approach:

A medical history is obtained

• Symptoms are analyzed
• The area around the bursae is palpated to check for tenderness and pain
• A complete hip physical examination is performed

Medical imaging studies are not needed to diagnose bursitis of the hips.