Trochanteric Bursitis

Is pain on the outside of your hip making walking, sleeping or everyday activities increasingly uncomfortable?

Perhaps you're finding it painful to lie on your side at night, climb a flight of stairs or go for your usual walk. Even standing for extended periods or getting up from a chair can become surprisingly uncomfortable.

If you've been diagnosed with trochanteric bursitis, you'll know just how frustrating these seemingly simple activities can become.

Trochanteric bursitis is a condition involving inflammation of a small fluid-filled sac located on the outside of the hip. It can develop following an injury, repetitive strain or irritation of the surrounding tissues.

The good news is that many cases improve without surgery. Understanding what's causing the discomfort, which activities may be aggravating it and what treatment options are available can help you take the right steps towards recovery.

What Is Trochanteric Bursitis?

Your hip is one of the largest weight-bearing joints in your body, allowing you to walk, climb stairs and move comfortably throughout the day.

On the outside of your upper thigh bone is a prominent bony area called the greater trochanter. Overlying this area are small fluid-filled sacs called bursae, which act as cushions between the bone and surrounding muscles and tendons. Their role is to help reduce friction as these tissues move against each other.

When the trochanteric bursa becomes irritated or inflamed, it may become swollen and painful. This condition is known as trochanteric bursitis. However, there's an important distinction worth understanding. Not all pain on the outside of the hip is caused by an inflamed bursa.

The surrounding gluteal tendons can also become irritated or damaged, producing very similar symptoms. Healthcare professionals commonly use the broader term greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS) to describe pain arising from these structures.

This distinction is important because treatment may need to address both inflammation and problems involving the surrounding tendons. [1]

For a broader explanation of the different types of bursitis affecting the hip, visit our Hip Bursitis Information page.

What Are the Symptoms of Trochanteric Bursitis?

One of the most frustrating things about trochanteric bursitis is how much it can interfere with activities you normally take for granted.

You may feel reasonably comfortable while sitting, only to experience pain when getting up, walking or trying to lie on your affected side.

Common symptoms include:

• Pain on the outside of the hip: Usually felt over the bony prominence at the side of the upper thigh.

• Pain when lying on your side: Pressure on the affected area can make sleeping particularly uncomfortable.

• Pain extending down the thigh: Discomfort may spread along the outside of the upper leg, sometimes towards the knee.

• Difficulty walking or climbing stairs: These activities can place additional strain on the affected hip.

• Tenderness around the hip: The area may be particularly sensitive when touched or pressed.

• Pain after prolonged activity: Walking longer distances, standing or certain recreational activities may aggravate symptoms.

• Discomfort when standing up: Getting out of a chair or car may produce a sharp or aching sensation.

Symptoms can develop gradually over several weeks or become noticeable following a fall or sudden increase in physical activity.

What Causes Trochanteric Bursitis?

Trochanteric bursitis can develop when the tissues surrounding the greater trochanter are subjected to repeated pressure, friction or excessive physical stress.

Although athletes can develop the condition, it's also common among middle-aged and older adults. Several factors may contribute.

Repetitive Walking or Running: Activities involving repeated hip movement, particularly when activity levels increase suddenly, can place additional demands on the tissues surrounding the hip.

Direct Injury or Trauma: A fall onto the side of the hip or a sudden impact may irritate the bursa and surrounding structures.

Weakness in the Hip Muscles: Weakness in the gluteal muscles can affect how forces are distributed around the hip during walking and other weight-bearing activities.

Age-Related Changes: As we get older, the tendons and surrounding soft tissues may become less tolerant of excessive or unfamiliar physical demands.

Prolonged Pressure on the Hip: Regularly sleeping on the same side or maintaining positions that compress the tissues around the outer hip may aggravate existing symptoms.

Often, several factors contribute rather than one particular injury. [2]

Why Can Trochanteric Bursitis Be So Painful at Night?

For many people, one of the most frustrating symptoms of trochanteric bursitis is the difficulty of getting a good night's sleep.

During the day, you may be able to modify your activities or change positions when your hip becomes uncomfortable. But when you lie down, particularly on your affected side, your body weight places direct pressure on the sensitive tissues surrounding the greater trochanter. This can aggravate the pain and make it difficult to find a comfortable sleeping position.

Even lying on the opposite side may sometimes cause discomfort if your upper leg drops across your body, placing additional strain on the affected hip.

A few simple adjustments may help.

Try avoiding direct pressure on the painful side. If you sleep on your opposite side, placing a pillow between your knees may help keep your hips in a more comfortable position.

Sleeping on your back with suitable support beneath your knees may also be worth trying. The aim is to reduce unnecessary pressure on the sensitive tissues while allowing you to rest more comfortably.

How Is Trochanteric Bursitis Diagnosed?

Because several conditions can cause pain around the outside of the hip, obtaining an accurate diagnosis is important before deciding on treatment.

A healthcare professional will generally begin by discussing your symptoms, medical history and the activities that aggravate the discomfort.

They may examine your hip to identify areas of tenderness, assess your range of movement and check the strength of the surrounding muscles.

In many cases, a clinical examination provides sufficient information to make an initial diagnosis.

However, additional investigations may be recommended if the cause remains uncertain or another condition is suspected.

Ultrasound: An ultrasound scan may help identify fluid accumulation or inflammation within the bursa, as well as problems affecting the surrounding tendons.

MRI Scan: An MRI may be recommended when a more detailed examination of the hip's soft tissues is required.

X-rays: X-rays can help identify arthritis, fractures or other bone-related problems that may contribute to hip pain, although they do not directly show inflammation within the bursa.

Not everyone with suspected trochanteric bursitis requires imaging. An appropriate clinical assessment is generally the starting point. [3]

What Are the Treatment Options for Trochanteric Bursitis?

If you've been experiencing persistent pain around the outside of your hip, your first priority is understandably to find some relief.

Treatment generally focuses on reducing irritation, managing discomfort and restoring normal hip movement and strength.

The most appropriate approach depends on whether your symptoms involve an inflamed bursa, surrounding tendons or a combination of both.

1. Rest and Activity Modification

Temporarily reducing activities that aggravate your hip is often a sensible first step. You may need to limit longer walks, repetitive stair climbing, running or other activities that consistently increase discomfort.

Try to avoid lying directly on the affected hip or standing for prolonged periods with most of your weight resting on one leg.

However, prolonged complete inactivity isn't generally recommended. Maintaining comfortable movement can help prevent unnecessary stiffness and muscle weakness.

2. Heat Therapy

For ongoing hip stiffness or muscle tension, applying a warm compress or heat pack for 15–20 minutes may help improve comfort.

Heat may be particularly useful when the surrounding muscles feel tight or uncomfortable after periods of inactivity.

However, heat may not be suitable immediately following an acute injury or when significant swelling is present. Cold therapy may be preferable during an acute flare-up.

3. Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation

Physiotherapy can play an important role in managing persistent outer hip pain, particularly when weakness or irritation of the gluteal tendons contributes to symptoms.

During a painful flare-up, strenuous exercises and movements that place excessive pressure on the affected area may need to be avoided or modified.

However, appropriately selected exercises can often begin before all discomfort has disappeared.

As symptoms improve, a gradual rehabilitation program may help:

• Restore comfortable hip movement.

• Strengthen the gluteal muscles.

• Improve hip stability and control.

• Rebuild muscle strength lost through reduced activity.

• Reduce excessive strain on the surrounding tendons.

The timing and intensity of rehabilitation should be suited to the underlying diagnosis, with exercises introduced gradually to avoid significant aggravation.

4. Medication and Medical Treatments

Pain-relieving or anti-inflammatory medication may help manage discomfort, although these treatments aren't suitable for everyone.

In some cases, a healthcare professional may consider a corticosteroid injection to provide temporary relief from inflammation and pain.

However, injections don't necessarily address underlying muscle weakness or tendon problems, and repeated injections may carry risks.

Surgery is rarely required and is generally reserved for selected cases that haven't responded to appropriate conservative treatment.

5. Drug-Free, Non-Invasive Hip Bursitis Relief with OSMO Patch

If you're looking for a drug-free, non-invasive way to help manage the swelling and associated pain from trochanteric bursitis, the OSMO Patch offers a convenient home treatment option.

Simply apply the patch over the affected area before going to bed and let it work while you sleep.

Designed to help reduce swelling and associated discomfort, OSMO Patch may be considered alongside appropriate rest and activity modification .

Discover how OSMO Patch may help you manage hip bursitis swelling and associated pain — so you can get back to enjoying your everyday activities.

 >> Learn More About OSMO Patch for Hip Bursitis Relief →

How Long Does Trochanteric Bursitis Take to Heal?

Recovery times vary depending on the severity of the inflammation, how long you've had symptoms and whether the surrounding gluteal tendons are also affected.

Some people begin noticing improvement within several weeks after reducing aggravating activities and following an appropriate treatment plan.

However, more persistent cases can take several months to improve, particularly when tendon problems or recurring strain contribute to the discomfort.

It's important to remember that feeling less pain doesn't necessarily mean the surrounding tissues have fully recovered.

Gradually restoring hip strength and returning to normal activities at a manageable pace can help reduce the likelihood of recurring symptoms.

Frequently Asked Questions About Trochanteric Bursitis

Where Is Trochanteric Bursitis Pain Usually Felt?

Trochanteric bursitis typically causes pain along the outside of the hip, over the bony prominence of the upper thigh. The discomfort may sometimes extend down the outside of the leg towards the knee.

Why Does Trochanteric Bursitis Hurt More at Night?

Lying directly on the affected hip places pressure on the sensitive tissues surrounding the greater trochanter. This can aggravate the pain and make sleeping uncomfortable. Using pillows to support your sleeping position may help reduce pressure.

Can Trochanteric Bursitis Cause Pain Down the Leg?

Yes. Pain may extend from the outside of the hip down the outer thigh, sometimes towards the knee. However, pain travelling below the knee, particularly with numbness or tingling, may indicate nerve involvement or another condition requiring medical assessment.

Can Trochanteric Bursitis Affect Both Hips?

Yes. Symptoms can occur on either side of the body and occasionally affect both hips. However, bilateral outer hip pain doesn't necessarily mean both bursae are inflamed, as tendon problems and other conditions can produce similar symptoms.

Is Trochanteric Bursitis the Same as Hip Arthritis?

No. Trochanteric bursitis affects the cushioning bursa on the outside of the hip, while hip arthritis involves changes within the hip joint itself.

Arthritis often causes discomfort towards the groin, whereas trochanteric bursitis typically produces pain and tenderness around the outer hip. Symptoms can overlap, so a proper diagnosis is important.

Can Walking Make Trochanteric Bursitis Worse?

Yes. Walking, particularly over longer distances or on uneven ground, can aggravate symptoms by placing additional demands on the affected tissues.

However, complete inactivity isn't generally necessary. Reducing your walking distance and gradually increasing activity as symptoms improve may help.

Is Heat Good for Trochanteric Bursitis?

Heat therapy may help relax tight muscles and ease stiffness around the hip, particularly when symptoms are ongoing.

However, heat may not be appropriate immediately following an acute injury or when significant swelling is present.

Can Trochanteric Bursitis Heal Without Surgery?

Yes. Many cases improve with conservative treatment, including activity modification, appropriate rehabilitation and pain management.

Surgery is rarely required for uncomplicated trochanteric bursitis.

Is Trochanteric Bursitis the Same as Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome?

Not exactly. Trochanteric bursitis refers specifically to inflammation of a bursa near the greater trochanter.

Greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS) is a broader term describing outer hip pain that may involve the bursa, surrounding gluteal tendons or both.

This distinction can be important when deciding on the most appropriate treatment.

When Should You Seek Medical Attention?

If pain around the outside of your hip persists, worsens or significantly interferes with your sleep, walking or everyday activities, consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Seek urgent medical attention if you experience severe hip pain following a fall, an inability to bear weight, significant swelling, or a hot, painful joint accompanied by fever.

Medical References

[1] Cleveland Clinic: Trochanteric Bursitis – Symptoms, Causes and Treatment. Read the Cleveland Clinic medical resource

[2] Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital (NHS): A Patient's Guide to Gluteal Tendinopathy. Read the NHS medical resource

[3] Mayo Clinic: Bursitis – Diagnosis and Treatment. Read the Mayo Clinic guidance