Hip Bursitis
Hip Bursitis Care at UVM Health
Hip bursitis occurs when the small, fluid‑filled sacs (bursa) around the hip joint become irritated. This can cause pain, stiffness and discomfort around the outside of the hip.
Hip bursitis is common and often develops gradually. While symptoms can be uncomfortable, most people improve with simple, nonsurgical treatments.
Why Choose UVM Health?
Hip pain and injuries can interfere with your quality of life. At University of Vermont Health, you receive coordinated, personalized care from some of the most experienced hip specialists in Vermont and northern New York. Our goal is to help you move comfortably and return to the activities you love.
We emphasize starting with nonsurgical treatments. Surgery is only recommended when it’s the most effective option for your condition. If surgery is needed, our hip surgeons have advanced fellowship training and offer leading-edge techniques with excellent outcomes.
As one of the region’s leading orthopedic programs, we offer:
- Team-based care: Our orthopedic surgeons and advanced practice professionals (APPs) collaborate closely to review each patient’s needs and design the right treatment approach. We work alongside physical therapists to help restore movement and reduce pain.
- Research-driven expertise: As part of a health system anchored by an academic medical center, our physicians are active researchers and clinical leaders who stay up to date on the latest technologies and treatments. We continuously evaluate outcomes to ensure patients receive safe, effective, evidence-based care.
Hip Bursitis Risk Factors
You may be more likely to develop hip bursitis if you have:
- Overuse from running, climbing or repetitive movement
- A hip injury from a fall or impact
- Spine conditions, such as scoliosis or lower-back arthritis
- Differences in leg length
- Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis
- Prior hip surgery
- Muscle weakness or tightness around the hip
Hip Bursitis Symptoms
Common symptoms include:
- Pain on the outside of the hip
- Pain that worsens with walking, climbing stairs or lying on the affected side
- Tenderness when pressing on the outer hip
- Stiffness or aching around the hip
- Pain that spreads to the thigh or buttock
Symptoms may worsen after long periods of sitting, standing or repetitive activity.
Diagnosing Hip Bursitis
Your provider will review your symptoms and medical history and examine your hip for pain, swelling and range of motion. Depending on your symptoms, testing may include:
These tools help rule out other causes of hip pain and confirm the diagnosis.
Hip Bursitis Treatment
Treatment focuses on reducing inflammation, relieving pain and improving movement.
Common treatment options include:
- Rest and avoiding activities that worsen pain
- Ice or heat therapy
- Over‑the‑counter pain medicines or anti‑inflammatory drugs
- Physical therapy to strengthen hip and core muscles
- Stretching to improve flexibility
- Corticosteroid injections for more severe or persistent pain
In rare cases, if symptoms do not improve, surgery may be considered to remove the inflamed bursa.
Your care team will work closely with you to choose the safest and most effective treatment for your needs.
Locations Near You
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101 Adirondack Drive
Suite 1
Ticonderoga, NY 12883
187 Park Street
Suite 2
Malone, NY 12953-1233
192 Tilley Drive
South Burlington, VT 05403-4440
1311 Barre Montpelier Road
Suite 400
Berlin, VT 05602
1436 Exchange Street
Middlebury, VT 05753-1185
76 McNeil Road
Suite 2
Waterbury Center, VT 05677-7162
206 Cornelia Street
Suite 201
Plattsburgh, NY 12901-2779
