Hip Bursitis Treatment in Los Angeles

Hip pain along the outer side of the joint is commonly caused by hip bursitis, an inflammatory condition affecting the small fluid-filled sacs that cushion the hip’s tendons and bones. These sacs, called bursae, reduce friction between muscles, tendons, and bone during movement. When a bursa becomes irritated or inflamed, it can produce sharp pain, tenderness, and difficulty performing everyday activities.

Patients experiencing persistent hip pain in Los Angeles are often evaluated by Dr. Farzin Kabaei, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who focuses on diagnosing both common and complex hip disorders. Dr. Kabaei completed orthopedic surgery training at Montefiore / Albert Einstein Medical Center and fellowship training in joint reconstruction at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where he developed advanced expertise in conditions affecting the hip joint.

Over the course of his clinical career, Dr. Kabaei has evaluated thousands of patients with hip pain, ranging from athletes with mechanical hip conditions to adults with degenerative joint disease. Because hip bursitis can sometimes mimic more serious structural problems in the joint, accurate diagnosis is essential. Dr. Kabaei’s approach focuses on identifying the true source of hip pain and determining whether the problem is caused by bursitis, tendon irritation, arthritis, or underlying structural abnormalities in the hip joint.

For many patients, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can relieve pain and prevent symptoms from becoming chronic.

What Is Hip Bursitis?

Hip bursitis occurs when one of the bursae surrounding the hip joint becomes inflamed. Bursae are small sacs filled with lubricating fluid that allow tissues to glide smoothly over one another during movement.

The hip contains several bursae, but the most commonly affected one lies on the outside of the hip near the greater trochanter, a bony prominence of the femur. When this bursa becomes irritated, the condition is known as trochanteric bursitis.

This inflammation can cause pain that radiates along the outside of the thigh and may worsen with certain movements or pressure on the hip.

Hip bursitis is one of the most frequent causes of lateral hip pain, particularly in active adults and individuals who perform repetitive movements involving the hip.

Common Causes of Hip Bursitis

Hip bursitis often develops due to irritation or excessive pressure on the bursa. Several factors can contribute to this inflammation.

Common causes include:

• Repetitive hip motion such as running, cycling, or stair climbing
• Prolonged pressure on the outside of the hip
• Direct trauma from a fall or impact
• Muscle weakness or imbalance around the hip
• Abnormal gait or posture
• Underlying conditions such as arthritis

Repetitive stress on the hip joint is one of the most frequent triggers, particularly for individuals who perform physical work or high-impact exercise.

In some cases, hip bursitis develops alongside other orthopedic conditions that alter the mechanics of the hip joint.

Symptoms of Hip Bursitis

The primary symptom of hip bursitis is pain located along the outer side of the hip. This pain may begin as sharp discomfort and gradually become more of a dull ache as the inflammation progresses.

Patients commonly experience:

• Pain along the outside of the hip
• Tenderness when touching the hip
• Pain when lying on the affected side
• Discomfort when climbing stairs
• Pain during prolonged walking or standing
• Stiffness after sitting for long periods

In many cases, the pain may initially be mild but gradually worsen over time if the underlying irritation continues.

Conditions That Can Mimic Hip Bursitis

Because hip bursitis causes pain on the outer side of the hip, it is sometimes confused with other orthopedic conditions.

These include:

• Gluteal tendon injuries
• Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI)
• Hip labral tears
• Hip arthritis
• Lumbar spine nerve irritation

Distinguishing between these conditions is important because each requires a different treatment approach. An experienced orthopedic specialist will evaluate the hip joint, surrounding muscles, and patient history to determine the underlying cause of symptoms.

Diagnosing Hip Bursitis

Diagnosis typically begins with a comprehensive orthopedic examination.

During consultation, Dr. Kabaei evaluates:

• The location and pattern of pain
• Hip range of motion
• Muscle strength and flexibility
• Walking mechanics
• Tenderness over the greater trochanter

Imaging studies may also be used when necessary. These can include:

X-rays, which evaluate the bone structure of the hip
MRI scans, which assess soft tissue structures such as tendons and cartilage

These tools help rule out other structural conditions that can cause similar symptoms.

Non-Surgical Treatment for Hip Bursitis

Most cases of hip bursitis improve with conservative treatment. Because the condition is caused by inflammation, treatment focuses on reducing irritation and allowing the bursa to heal.

Common treatments include:

• Activity modification and rest
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Ice therapy to reduce swelling
• Physical therapy to strengthen hip stabilizing muscles
• Stretching exercises to improve flexibility

Many patients experience significant improvement with these treatments alone. Resting the hip and reducing repetitive stress can allow the inflamed bursa to recover over time.

Corticosteroid Injections

When hip bursitis does not respond to initial conservative treatments, corticosteroid injections may be recommended.

These injections deliver anti-inflammatory medication directly into the irritated bursa, helping reduce pain and swelling. In many patients, this treatment can provide temporary or long-lasting symptom relief.

The injection procedure is typically performed in an outpatient setting and requires minimal recovery time.

When Surgery May Be Considered

Surgery for hip bursitis is uncommon and usually reserved for cases that do not improve with non-surgical treatments.

In rare situations where chronic inflammation persists for several months despite conservative care, minimally invasive procedures may be performed to remove the inflamed bursa or address contributing structural issues.

However, most patients experience improvement without requiring surgical treatment.

Preventing Recurring Hip Bursitis

Once hip bursitis improves, certain strategies can help prevent recurrence.

These include:

• Strengthening the hip and gluteal muscles
• Maintaining flexibility of the hip and thigh
• Using proper technique during exercise
• Avoiding repetitive pressure on the hip
• Addressing gait or alignment issues

Maintaining strong hip stabilizing muscles can reduce stress on the bursae and protect the joint during physical activity.

Hip Bursitis Treatment in Los Angeles

Hip bursitis can significantly affect mobility and quality of life, particularly when pain interferes with walking, exercise, or sleep. Fortunately, most cases can be successfully treated with conservative orthopedic care when diagnosed early.

Dr. Farzin Kabaei provides comprehensive evaluation and treatment for patients experiencing hip pain in Los Angeles. His experience in diagnosing a wide range of hip conditions allows him to determine whether symptoms are caused by bursitis or by other structural problems within the joint.

By identifying the underlying cause of hip pain and tailoring treatment to each patient’s needs, the goal is always to restore comfortable movement and help patients return to their normal daily activities.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hip Bursitis

What causes hip bursitis?

Hip bursitis is typically caused by irritation of the bursa from repetitive motion, pressure on the hip, or underlying orthopedic conditions.

How long does hip bursitis last?

Many cases improve within a few weeks with rest and conservative treatment.

Is hip bursitis serious?

Hip bursitis is usually not a serious condition, but persistent hip pain should be evaluated to rule out other causes.

Can exercise help hip bursitis?

Yes. Strengthening and stretching exercises prescribed by a physical therapist can improve hip stability and reduce irritation.

When should I see a doctor for hip bursitis?

If hip pain lasts longer than one to two weeks or interferes with daily activities, medical evaluation is recommended.