Hip bursitis
What is it?
Hip bursitis is when the fluid-filled sac (bursa) that lies on the outside of the top of your thigh bone becomes inflamed. This part of the bone is called the greater trochanter so this condition is also known as trochanteric bursitis. The bursa reduces friction between the greater trochanter and the ilio-tibial band, the thickened band of tissue that runs over the bursa.
Symptoms
If you have hip bursitis, you're likely to have a deep pain over the outside of your hip and along the outside edge of your thigh. The bursa may also be tender. It's possible that you will feel a snapping or clicking sensation in your hip.
You will probably find it painful to move your leg away from your body, especially against resistance.
Causes
Hip bursitis is usually caused by repetitive movements or pressure on the bursa, especially if the ilio-tibial band is tight. This leads to inflammation of the bursa because of the increased stress on the greater trochanter when the ilio-tibial band rubs over it.
You may be more likely to develop hip bursitis if you have body movement (biomechanical) problems around your pelvis, such as pelvic tilt, or if one of your legs is shorter than the other. Female runners may be more at risk if they have a broad pelvis. Also, running on uneven road surfaces or increasing the intensity of your training can make hip bursitis more likely.
Treatments
It's important to rest and reduce your training so that the condition can settle down. A sports medicine professional, such as a sports medicine doctor or physiotherapist, can diagnose and treat hip bursitis.
Using an ice pack on the painful area until the swelling goes down may be helpful – don't apply ice directly to your skin as it can damage your skin. Painkillers such as ibuprofen can also help to reduce pain. Always read the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine, and ask your pharmacist for advice.
Physiotherapy exercises to strengthen the muscles in your buttocks and stretch your ilio-tibial band can be useful. You may also need to have any abnormal body movement (biomechanics) corrected, this may include using orthotics (special insoles that are worn in your shoes).
You may be offered steroid injections to reduce inflammation if your symptoms are severe.
Do
- rest until the injury has calmed down
- increase the strength of your core muscles
- gradually increase your training
- regularly stretch your buttocks and ilio-tibial band
Don't
- start running again without giving your injury time to settle down
Peer reviewed by David Toy, MCSP, Bupa Sports Medicine physiotherapist
Publication date: June 2009
