Hip pain can be frustrating, disruptive, and worrying—especially when it affects your sleep, mobility, or ability to stay active. One common and highly treatable cause of hip pain is hip bursitis.
At our private orthopaedic clinic serving Plymouth, Devon and Cornwall, we regularly assess and treat patients with hip bursitis using evidence-based, non-surgical treatments wherever possible.
This guide explains what hip bursitis is, the different types, symptoms, causes, risk factors, and the treatment options available locally.
What Is Hip Bursitis?
Hip bursitis is inflammation of one or more bursae around the hip joint. A bursa is a small, fluid-filled sac that reduces friction between bones, muscles, and tendons during movement.
When a bursa becomes irritated or inflamed, it can cause persistent hip pain, stiffness, and tenderness—often worsening with activity or at night.
Hip bursitis is particularly common in:
- Adults over 40
- Active individuals
- People with arthritis or biomechanical issues
Types of Hip Bursitis
Trochanteric Bursitis (Outer Hip Pain)
This is the most common form of hip bursitis and affects the outer side of the hip, over a bony area called the greater trochanter.
Typical symptoms include:
- Pain on the outside of the hip or upper thigh
- Pain when lying on the affected side
- Discomfort when walking, climbing stairs, or standing for long periods
This condition is often grouped under Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS).
Iliopsoas Bursitis (Front of Hip or Groin Pain)
Less common, this type affects the front of the hip or groin and involves the bursa near the iliopsoas muscle.
Typical symptoms include:
- Deep pain in the groin or front of the hip
- Pain when rising from a seated position
- Discomfort when climbing stairs or lifting the knee
Common Symptoms of Hip Bursitis
Patients attending our private orthopaedic clinic in Plymouth often report:
- Localised hip pain (outer hip or groin)
- Pain that worsens with activity
- Night pain, especially when lying on one side
- Tenderness when pressing over the hip
- Stiffness or reduced range of movement
- Pain that gradually worsens over time
What Causes Hip Bursitis?
Hip bursitis usually develops due to repetitive strain or mechanical stress, including:
- Overuse from walking, running, or manual work
- Prolonged pressure on the hip
- Poor posture or altered walking pattern
- Sudden increase in activity levels
- Tight hip or thigh muscles
- Direct injury or fall
- Previous hip surgery (including hip replacement)
Risk Factors
You may be at higher risk of hip bursitis if you:
- Are aged 40 or over
- Have osteoarthritis or inflammatory arthritis
- Have spinal conditions (e.g. scoliosis or disc problems)
- Have a leg length difference
- Wear poor or unsupportive footwear
- Regularly perform repetitive movements
How Is Hip Bursitis Diagnosed?
At our private orthopaedic practice in Devon and Cornwall, diagnosis typically involves:
- A detailed clinical assessment
- Physical examination of hip movement and tenderness
- Imaging where appropriate:
- X-rays (to exclude arthritis or fractures)
- Ultrasound (to assess inflamed bursae)
- MRI (for persistent or complex cases)
Treatment Options for Hip Bursitis
Most patients improve without surgery, using a tailored treatment plan.
Conservative (Non-Surgical) Treatment
✔ Activity modification
✔ Anti-inflammatory medication (where appropriate)
✔ Ice or heat therapy
✔ Physiotherapy-led rehabilitation
✔ Postural and gait assessment
Injection Therapy
If symptoms persist, ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injections may be offered to:
- Reduce inflammation
- Relieve pain
- Support rehabilitation and recovery
These injections are commonly used in private practice and often provide significant symptom relief.
Surgical Treatment for Hip Bursitis
Surgery will be considered if:
- Symptoms persist despite months of treatment
- Pain significantly affects quality of life
- Other causes of hip pain have been excluded
Self-Care & Hip Pain Relief Advice
To support recovery, we often advise patients to:
- Avoid lying on the painful side
- Use pillows for side sleeping support
- Wear supportive footwear
- Avoid repetitive aggravating movements
- Perform guided stretching and strengthening exercises
- Gradually return to activity
When Should You See a Hip Specialist?
You should consider a private orthopaedic consultation in Plymouth, Devon or Cornwall if:
- Hip pain lasts longer than 2–3 weeks
- Pain is worsening despite rest
- Night pain is disturbing sleep
- Walking or daily activities are affected
- You want faster access to diagnosis and treatment
Summary
Hip bursitis is a common, painful but very treatable condition. With early diagnosis and the right treatment approach, most patients experience significant improvement without surgery.
If you are experiencing ongoing hip pain, a specialist orthopaedic assessment can help identify the cause and guide the most effective treatment—helping you return to normal movement and comfort as quickly as possible.
Get Private Orthopaedic Surgery in Plymouth in just 4-6 weeks
⇒ Consultation in 7 days or less
⇒ Consultation to surgery, 4-6 weeks
About Hip Surgery
Total hip replacement surgery replaces the worn-out painful and stiff hip joint with a new prosthetic joint. This procedure is normally performed under spinal anaesthesia and is commonly followed by a night or two in the hospital. Day-case hip replacement surgery may be an appropriate option for you.
About Mr Stitson
David Stitson is a Plymouth-based Consultant Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgeon. Trained both in the UK and internationally, he has worked in medicine for more than 20 years for the NHS, for the Royal Air Force and in private practice. Mr Stitson operates privately at the Nuffield Health Hospital, Plymouth.
Take the Next Step with Mr Stitson in Plymouth
Living with constant hip pain is not something you have to accept as part of ageing. Many people in their late 60s and 70s find that a private hip replacement restores their mobility and transforms their quality of life.
📞 To discuss your symptoms and explore whether hip replacement surgery is the right option for you, contact Mr David Stitson, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, at the Nuffield Hospital, Plymouth.
- Call: 01752 761818
- Visit: www.orthopaedicsplymouth.co.uk
- Email: enquiries@orthopaedicsplymouth.co.uk
Take the first step towards a more comfortable, active life today.
The Nuffield Plymouth CQC Rating
The Nuffield Hospital has a history that spans over half a century and has built a reputation for high standards of care, professionalism and expertise in delivering health services. They aim for continuous quality improvement in everything they do.
Active Quality and Governance programmes are in place at the Nuffield Hospital Plymouth. As part of this, the hospital is inspected by independent healthcare regulators to ensure it meets the fundamental standards of quality and safety as determined by the regulating body (CQC).
In the most recent inspection, Plymouth Nuffield Hospital was rated as ‘Good’ overall, however, the surgical element of the inspection was rated as ‘Outstanding’. The hospital was referred to as:
“Outstanding in effective and caring, and
Good in safe, responsive and well-led.”
