Inflammation in the hip often feels like a dull ache or sharp pain in the groin, outer thigh, or buttock, worsening with movement, pressure, or at night, causing stiffness, warmth, swelling, and a limp. It can range from a mild discomfort to severe pain, making activities like walking, climbing stairs, or even lying down difficult, with symptoms often improving slightly with gentle motion but worsening after rest.
The main symptom of hip bursitis is pain. Other hip bursitis symptoms can include hip swelling. Pain from bursitis in your hip tends to get worse after you've been sitting or lying down. The pain may also increase when you do a repetitive activity, like climbing stairs.
Many people with hip bursitis can experience relief with lifestyle changes or simple measures, including:
With hip arthritis, the pain is mainly felt in the groin, and occasionally in the outer thigh and upper buttock area. Pain can get worse after standing or walking for long periods of time or after a period of rest (waking up in the morning). Stiffness in the hip makes it difficult to move the hip or rotate the leg.
Let's talk about three of the most common conditions that are confused with hip bursitis.
Common Symptoms of Hip Bursitis
Symptoms of hip tendonitis include:
“Pain coming from the hip joint is most often due to hip arthritis (osteoarthritis). If the pain seems to be in the front of the thigh, including deep in the groin area, then this is an indication of hip joint pain and probably hip arthritis.” The pain may become worse with activity or with sudden pivoting movements.
The one-leg rise test (Fig. 1) assesses the total number of repetitions an individual can perform from sitting to standing on one leg, on a chair with a height of 48 cm and performed without a time limit.
The most common symptoms of inflammatory arthritis are:
If this is an ongoing problem, you should speak with a specialist. Chronic hip pain that does not improve with rest, medication, or other conservative treatments can be an indication that the hip joint is deteriorating. The pain may also be felt in the groin, buttocks, thigh, or even the knee.
What are the signs and symptoms of hip impingement? Most patients with FAI experience pain or stiffness in the groin or front of the thigh. This often occurs or is made worse with bending up of the hip or at the waist, such as when riding a bike, tying shoes or sitting for long periods of time.
Apply ice to reduce swelling for the first 48 hours after symptoms occur. Apply dry or moist heat, such as a heating pad or taking a warm bath. Take an over-the-counter medication, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or naproxen sodium (Aleve, others), to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
Red flags for hip pain needing urgent attention include sudden, severe pain after injury, inability to bear weight, significant swelling/redness/warmth, night pain disrupting sleep, fever, unexplained weight loss, night sweats, neurological symptoms (weakness/numbness), or a history of cancer, as these can signal serious issues like fractures, infections, or malignancy, requiring prompt medical evaluation beyond typical muscle soreness.
Bursitis pain is usually sharp and worsens with pressure on the affected side, like lying down. Arthritis pain often comes with stiffness and reduced mobility, especially after rest or inactivity.
The most common symptom of hip osteoarthritis is pain. This hip pain develops slowly and worsens over time, although it can also come on suddenly. Pain and stiffness may be worse in the morning, or after sitting or resting awhile. Over time, painful symptoms may occur more frequently, including during rest or at night.
A physical examination of the hip that indicates tenderness and swelling around the painful bursitis confirms the diagnosis of hip bursitis. To check for any bone spurs that could be causing irritation of the bursa your doctor may order an X-ray.
Pain, stiffness and weakness around the hips can lead to problems walking, putting on shoes and socks and activities such as getting in or out of the car. Eventually it can disturb your sleep. A locking or cracking sensation around your hip is fairly common. You may experience all or some of these symptoms.
Hip bursitis feels like a dull ache or sharp pain on the outer side of the hip and upper thigh, often worsening at night, when lying on the affected side, standing up from sitting, or during activities like walking, climbing stairs, or squatting, sometimes accompanied by tenderness, stiffness, swelling, and a burning sensation that can radiate down the thigh.
Age: The risk of developing osteoarthritis increases with age. It's most common in individuals over 50. Genetics: Having a family member with hip osteoarthritis means you're more likely to develop the condition.
Symptoms of hip tendonitis
Hip stiffness in the morning or after long periods of rest. Pain that lessens as you warm up but intensifies later in the day. Discomfort when contracting the muscles in the hip.
Common Hip Issues Linked to Menopause
Hip Bursitis: Around your hip joint are small, fluid-filled sacs called bursae that cushion your bones and help reduce friction. With hormone-related inflammation, these sacs can get irritated or swollen, causing a sharp or aching pain, especially when you move or lie on that side.