Hip bursitis occurs due to the inflammation of either of the two bursae that are located in this joint: the greater trochanter (trochanteric bursitis), [1] which covers the head of the femur, and the iliopsoas, located in the internal part of the hip joint (in the inguinal region). Most commonly, bursitis affects the greater trochanter.
Hip bursitis can be acute if it appears in a matter of hours or days or chronic if the acute episodes are repeated, or a hip injury occurs. In this case, the episodes can last several weeks. Over time, the bursa can harden, leading to longer bursitis episodes, limiting joint mobility, and resulting in muscle atrophy. [2]
The characteristic symptoms of hip bursitis are as follows:
Pain
This is the main symptom of bursitis and is present in almost all cases. In the first few days, it is usually sharp, and then it becomes progressively more dull and annoying. This pain would get worse after inactivity for a long time, it is common to feel it when getting up from a chair or bed, if you fall asleep with your body on the side of the affected joint, or if you sit for a long time. The pain is usually felt in the joints, but it may also be felt when pressing on the skin. This pain can also manifest as a burning sensation. The sensation is of burning pain and usually worsens if the patient does not change position. Besides, without proper treatment, the pain from hip bursitis is going to typically increase over time. [3]