Description

Bursitis is a painful condition that affects the small, fluid-filled sacs, called bursae that cushion the bones, tendons and muscles near your joints. Bursitis occurs when bursae become inflamed.

Causes

Bursitis of the hip can be caused by a number of factors including a fall onto the side of the hip can cause traumatic bursitis. Most cases of bursitis are overuse injuries due to biomechanical abnormalities. If you overpronate then you are more susceptible to this injury as the knee falls inwards which increases the angle at the hip. Weakness in the hip abductors, especially gluteus medius has the same effect.

Tight structures surrounding the hip such as the iliotibial band, hip flexors and hamstrings. A bone spur which is a small excess growth of bone which can aggravate the bursa.

Signs & Symptoms

Symptoms include pain on the outside of the hip which is worse during activities such as running, climbing stairs or getting out of a car. The pain will gradually get worse and the area on the outside of the hip is tender when pressing in. Pain may also radiate down the outside of the thigh.