Hip bursitis (greater trochanteric pain)

What many people call hip bursitis is often greater trochanteric pain syndrome. Pain sits on the outside of the hip and can make side-lying sleep and walking uncomfortable.

What it feels like

Lateral hip pain over the bony point of the hip is typical, sometimes radiating down the outer thigh.

Lying on that side, climbing stairs, or standing after sitting can flare it.

Groin-dominant pain is less typical and pushes us to look harder at the hip joint itself.

What is going on

The trochanteric bursa and nearby gluteal tendons can become irritated from load, weakness, friction, or training change.

Many cases are as much tendinopathy as bursal inflammation, which is why strengthening matters.

Spine-referred pain and true hip joint arthritis remain on the differential.

How we evaluate

Palpation over the greater trochanter, single-leg stance, and strength testing of the gluteal tendons guide the exam.

We check for lumbar radicular clues and intra-articular hip signs so treatment targets the right tissue.

Ultrasound or MRI is used selectively when the story is atypical or intervention planning needs soft-tissue detail.

What we may offer

Load modification and progressive gluteal strengthening through physical therapy are the backbone of care.

Targeted soft-tissue or bursal injections may help selected flares. PRP can be discussed for some tendon-related patterns.

If the hip joint is the real source, we shift to osteoarthritis or labral pathways instead.

Is it always the bursa?

Not always. Gluteal tendinopathy is frequently part of the same lateral hip pain syndrome.

Why does sleeping on my side hurt?

Direct pressure over the trochanter irritates sensitive tissues. A pillow between the knees and position changes can help.

Do I need surgery for hip bursitis?

Rarely. Most people improve with rehab and, when needed, injections.

Can back problems feel like hip bursitis?

Yes. We screen the lumbar spine so we do not miss referred pain.