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What Are the Most Common Hip Bursitis Symptoms?

Alex Paul
Alex Paul

Hip bursitis is a relatively common problem that can cause pain and discomfort to a person. Common hip bursitis symptoms include a physical swelling of the bursa and pain that occurs at the top of the thigh on the outer side. This pain may get worse with activities such as walking or going up stairs. There are two types of bursa in the hip, and these may cause pain in different locations. The pain from the various types of hip bursitis may also be aggravated by different activities.

The two types of bursa in the hip are the ischial and trochanteric. Both these bursa are used to lubricate the hip joint and allow it to slide smoothly. When the bursa becomes inflamed due to overuse or an impact injury, then the joint can no longer move and function correctly. This causes pain over the location of the bursa. A common problem with hip bursitis is that when the pain starts the bursa becomes inflamed, which then causes more symptoms and starts a vicious cycle.

Common hip bursitis symptoms include pain and swelling of the hip.
Common hip bursitis symptoms include pain and swelling of the hip.

The trochanteric bursa is located on the outer side of the hip and is the bursa most often associated with hip bursitis. Hip bursitis symptoms caused by an inflamed trochanteric bursa include pain on the outer hip as well as tenderness. This usually makes it difficult for the patient to lie sideways and can affect sleeping patterns. The symptoms of this type of bursitis are usually made worse with walking up stairs.

Sports-related injuries may lead to bursitis.
Sports-related injuries may lead to bursitis.

The ischial bursa is located toward the top of the buttocks. Although ischial hip bursitis symptoms are very similar to trochanteric bursitis, the location of the pain is different. Many people find that the pain is duller and is present for most of the time rather than being solely caused by activity. This type of bursitis is commonly caused by a weakness in the hamstring muscles.

Weak hamstrings can cause ischial hip bursitis.
Weak hamstrings can cause ischial hip bursitis.

There are a number of reasons why hip bursitis symptoms can occur. For example, athletes commonly get hip bursitis through overuse caused by running. There is also a chance that bursitis can be caused by an impact injury when a person falls over, although this is less common. In some cases surgery to the affected area may cause inflammation in the bursa, which then develops into bursitis. Hip bursitis is usually relatively easy to diagnose although there is a chance that it can be confused with other conditions.

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    • Common hip bursitis symptoms include pain and swelling of the hip.
      By: mangostock
      Common hip bursitis symptoms include pain and swelling of the hip.
    • Sports-related injuries may lead to bursitis.
      By: Diego Barbieri
      Sports-related injuries may lead to bursitis.
    • Weak hamstrings can cause ischial hip bursitis.
      By: Maridav
      Weak hamstrings can cause ischial hip bursitis.