Bursitis and Tendonitis

Inflamed Tissues, Irritated Movement

Hip bursitis and tendonitis are two common causes of hip pain, often triggered by overuse, injury, or underlying biomechanical issues. Learn the causes, symptoms, and treatment options that can help relieve inflammation, restore movement, and prevent chronic discomfort.

Understanding Hip Bursitis and Tendonitis

Hip bursitis and tendonitis involve inflammation of soft tissues surrounding the hip joint. While they are different conditions, they often present with similar symptoms and can even occur together.

Hip Bursitis refers to inflammation of the bursa—a small fluid-filled sac that cushions bones, tendons, and muscles near your joints.
Hip Tendonitis involves inflammation or irritation of tendons, the thick cords that connect muscle to bone.

Both conditions can lead to pain on the outside or front of the hip, tenderness, and discomfort during movement.

Looking for more causes of hip pain? Visit our hip conditions overview page.

What Causes Bursitis and Tendonitis in the Hip?

These conditions are most often caused by repetitive stress or acute injury. Contributing factors may include:

Overuse from activities like running or cycling
Poor posture or altered walking patterns
Hip muscle imbalances or weakness
Previous injury or trauma to the hip
Leg length discrepancy
Underlying hip conditions like femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) or hip dysplasia

Inflammation from either condition can lead to friction in the joint, triggering pain that can become chronic if left untreated.

Common Symptoms

Recognizing the signs early can help prevent long-term problems. Key symptoms include:

Aching or burning pain on the outer hip or groin
Pain that worsens with activity or prolonged standing
Stiffness or reduced range of motion
Pain when lying on the affected side
Swelling or tenderness near the hip joint

Experiencing nighttime pain? That may also be a sign of labral tears or early hip arthritis.

Diagnosing Bursitis and Tendonitis

A hip specialist will conduct a physical exam and may order imaging tests such as:

X-rays to rule out bone abnormalities
MRI to assess soft tissue inflammation
Ultrasound to visualize bursae and tendon movement

Accurate diagnosis is essential to distinguish bursitis or tendonitis from structural issues such as FAI or labral damage.

Non-Surgical Treatment Options

Most cases of bursitis and tendonitis improve with conservative care, including:

Physical Therapy

Tailored exercises focus on reducing inflammation, improving flexibility, and correcting muscle imbalances.

Activity Modification

Avoiding aggravating activities (e.g., uphill walking, excessive stair use) and improving posture or gait mechanics.

Injections

Corticosteroid or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections can help reduce inflammation and promote healing.

Ice, NSAIDs, and Rest

Cold therapy and anti-inflammatory medications may relieve symptoms during flare-ups.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Surgery is rarely required for isolated bursitis or tendonitis. However, if symptoms persist beyond several months or are linked to other structural issues, surgical evaluation may be recommended.

Surgical options may include:

Endoscopic bursectomy: Removal of the inflamed bursa
Tendon debridement: Repairing or removing damaged tendon tissue
Hip arthroscopy: Minimally invasive procedure to address underlying causes like labral tears or FAI

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Most patients respond well to non-surgical treatment, with noticeable improvement in 4–6 weeks. Key recovery components include:

Gradual return to activity
Targeted physical therapy
Ongoing management of biomechanical risk factors
Occasional booster treatments like PRP or dry needling

If surgery is performed, full recovery may take 2–3 months depending on the procedure.

Long-Term Outlook

With proper diagnosis and treatment, hip bursitis and tendonitis typically resolve without lasting damage. However, failure to treat the underlying cause may result in recurrent flare-ups or progression to chronic hip pain.

That’s why it’s critical to partner with a hip preservation expert who can customize your care.

A Personalized Approach to Hip Health

At HipPreservation.org, we’re committed to helping you understand your symptoms and navigate your treatment options. Whether you’re battling bursitis, tendonitis, or a more complex hip condition, we’re here to guide you every step of the way toward long-term relief and mobility.