HIP BURSITIS SPECIALIST

A healthy hip has a small, fluid-filled sac—called a bursa—cushioning the big bony bump on the outside of your thigh. When that sac gets irritated, it swells and hurts. Doctors call the problem hip bursitis. This easy guide explains why it happens, what it feels like, quick at-home fixes, and how an orthopedic specialist can help you get back to painless movement.

WHAT DOES BURSITIS HIP FEEL LIKE?

With bursitis hip flare-ups you may notice:

A sharp or burning ache on the outer thigh after long walks or climbing stairs
Tenderness when you press the side of your hip—or lie on that side in bed
A subtle “snap” as tendons slide over the irritated bursa
Stiffness that eases once you start moving, then returns by day’s end

If these aches crop up on most days—or wake you at night—book a quick exam to confirm bursitis and rule out other issues such as lower-back nerve pain.

COMMON HIP BURSITIS STRETCHING MOVES FOR DAILY RELIEF

Tight muscles tug on the bursa. Try this three-move hip bursitis stretching routine once or twice a day:

Stretch	How to do it	Hold	Sets
Standing IT-band stretch	Cross sore leg behind the other, lean toward good side	30 s	2
Figure-4 stretch	Lie on back, place ankle over opposite knee, pull toward chest	30 s	2
Kneeling hip-flexor stretch	Kneel on painless knee, tuck pelvis, lean forward	30 s	2

Move slowly and stop if pain sharpens. Most folks feel looser and walk more smoothly after a week of consistent stretching.

THE BEST WAY TO TREAT HIP BURSITIS AT HOME

Looking for the best way to treat hip bursitis without big medical bills? Start with these simple steps:

Activity swap – Trade high-impact runs for pool walking or cycling for a week or two.
Ice massage – Rub an ice cube over the sore spot 5 minutes, 2–3 times a day.
Padded seating – Add a foam cushion to hard chairs; a mattress topper helps at night.
Shorter strides – Tiny steps reduce side-to-side sway and bursa friction.
Over-the-counter NSAIDs – Ask your doctor if ibuprofen or naproxen is safe for you.

Many people notice real relief within two to four weeks when they combine these tweaks with regular stretching.

SIMPLE HIP BURSA TREATMENT FROM YOUR SPECIALIST

Sometimes self-care isn’t enough. Your doctor may suggest formal hip bursa treatment such as:

Physical therapy – Guided glute and core strengthening to unload the bursa
Corticosteroid injection – A quick ultrasound-guided shot can calm swelling for months
Shock-wave therapy – Pulsed sound waves kick-start healing in stubborn cases
Bursa drainage or removal (rare) – For chronic, fluid-filled sacs that don’t respond to anything else

Early evaluation stops a minor flare from turning into long-term pain.

CALMING AN INFLAMED BURSA HIP FAST

An inflamed bursa hip feels warm and swollen. Calm it quickly by alternating 15 minutes of ice with 15 minutes of rest, keeping weight off the leg when possible. Elevate the leg on pillows while reclining—gravity helps drain extra fluid from the irritated sac.

WHEN BURSITIS IN YOUR HIP NEEDS EXTRA HELP

Call a specialist if bursitis in your hip:

Interrupts sleep more than two nights a week
Makes you limp after a single city-block walk
Flares despite two weeks of ice, rest, and over-the-counter meds
Produces redness, fever, or sudden sharp pain (possible infection)

A short clinic visit can confirm the diagnosis, order an ultrasound if needed, and start targeted relief the same day.

MEET OUR HIP SPECIALISTS

*Fellowship Trained Joint Replacement Specialist

Louis Jones, MD

*Fellowship Trained Joint Replacement Specialist

Gordon Newbern, MD

Tad Pruitt, MD

Martin Siems, MD

*Fellowship Trained Joint Replacement Specialist

Adam Smith, MD

James Tucker, MD

Victor Vargas, MD

Henry Wallace, MD

Michael Weber, MD

PATIENT TESTIMONIALS

“I had constant hip pain that made it hard to exercise. After my treatment at OrthoArkansas, I’m back to doing what I love!” – Emily R.

“Walking had become painful, but after working with my doctor, I’ve regained strength and mobility.” – Tom S.

“I didn’t realize how much my hip pain was holding me back until I found relief at OrthoArkansas. I feel like myself again!” – Rachel M.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

How long does hip bursitis last?
Most flare-ups settle in four to eight weeks with stretching and rest; stubborn cases linger if triggers aren’t fixed.
Does hip bursitis show on X-ray?
The bursa itself doesn’t, but an X-ray rules out bone spurs or arthritis that can irritate it.
Is walking good or bad?
Gentle, level walking is okay—avoid steep hills or uneven trails during recovery.
Can extra weight make bursitis worse?
Yes. Every added pound boosts side-hip pressure; even modest weight loss can help.
Are special shoes useful?
Supportive sneakers with cushioned soles and low heels reduce sideways sway.
What causes hip bursitis to flare?
Sudden increases in exercise, weak glute muscles, tight IT bands, or a fall on the hip.
Why does it hurt more at night?
Lying directly on the inflamed bursa or letting hip muscles tighten while sleeping can spike pain.
Do I need an MRI?
Most cases don’t, but MRI helps if doctors suspect tendon tears or other soft-tissue issues.
Is hip bursitis the same as greater-trochanteric pain syndrome?
They overlap—GTPS often includes bursitis plus tendon irritation around the trochanter.
Will stretching alone fix bursitis
Stretching helps, but pairing it with strength work and activity tweaks brings longer-lasting relief.

READY FOR PERSONALIZED GUIDANCE?

Call us directly or fill out our form to chat with a hip specialist and build your own simple plan for lasting relief.
Friendly care plus a few smart habit changes can turn outside-hip pain into a distant memory—so you can sleep, walk, and enjoy life without that nagging ache.