Hip Bursitis Symptom Checker

Hip Bursitis Quick Quiz

Hip pain, stiffness, and discomfort may sometimes feel like minor annoyances. But if these issues persist or interfere with your daily life, they could be signs of hip bursitis.

This short quiz can help you see if your symptoms might be related to hip bursitis.

Ask yourself the following:

• Do you feel pain or tenderness on the outside of your hip?
• Does your hip hurt more when you walk, climb stairs, or lie on your side?
• Have you noticed stiffness or swelling around your hip joint?
• Does your hip feel worse after prolonged activity or at night?
• Have you had recent injuries or overuse of your hip?

Take a moment to think about each question. 

If you answered “yes” to one or more, your symptoms might be connected to hip bursitis. Consider talking with a healthcare professional to learn more.

If these questions sound familiar, try the Hip Bursitis Symptom Checker to better understand what your symptoms could mean.

Note: This quiz is not a diagnosis. Only a medical professional can confirm what’s truly going on.

What Is Hip Bursitis?

Hip bursitis occurs when the small fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion your hip joint become inflamed or irritated.

This inflammation can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness, making it uncomfortable to walk, sleep on your side, or move your hip normally.

The pain may worsen with activity or when lying on the affected side.

Because the symptoms can be similar to other hip problems, hip bursitis is sometimes overlooked or misdiagnosed. 

Common Symptoms to Watch For

Hip bursitis symptoms can vary, but often affect movement and comfort around the hip joint. Many people experience pain and stiffness that interfere with daily activities.

Watch for:

• A dull, aching sensation around the hip area
• Mild swelling or warmth near the hip
• Difficulty standing or walking for long periods
• Discomfort when shifting positions, especially from sitting to standing
• Occasional stiffness that eases with gentle movement

If you experience several of these symptoms, it may be time to consult a healthcare professional for evaluation and treatment.

What Causes Hip Bursitis?

Hip bursitis usually happens because of irritation of the bursae.

Common causes include repetitive movements, overuse, injury, or prolonged pressure on the hip. Sometimes, underlying conditions like arthritis or spinal problems can also lead to bursitis.

Hip bursitis isn’t caused by something you did wrong; it often develops over time due to strain or certain activities.

Tip: If you have a job, hobby, or sport that puts repeated pressure on your hips, mention this to your healthcare provider when discussing your symptoms.

When to See a Doctor

• Hip pain doesn’t improve with rest or home treatment.
• You experience redness around the hip.
• Pain worsens at night or keeps you from sleeping.
• Symptoms last longer than a few weeks or keep coming back.

How Hip Bursitis Is Diagnosed

Doctors diagnose hip bursitis by reviewing your past medical history (PMH) and symptoms, and by physically examining your hip area. They check for tenderness, swelling, and range of motion.

Imaging tests like X-rays or ultrasounds may be used to rule out other conditions or confirm inflammation around the bursae.

In some cases, your doctor might recommend blood tests to check for underlying causes such as arthritis or infection.

How Hip Bursitis Is Treated

While hip bursitis often improves on its own, treatment focuses on reducing pain and inflammation and helping you move comfortably.

Common approaches include rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain relievers. Physical therapy can strengthen muscles around the hip and improve flexibility.

In some cases, doctors may recommend corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation or, rarely, surgery if other treatments don’t help.

Tip: Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises can speed recovery, but avoid activities that worsen your pain.

Complications of Hip Bursitis

If left untreated, hip bursitis can lead to complications such as:

• Chronic pain that affects your daily activities
• Reduced mobility or stiffness in the hip joint
• Development of muscle weakness around the hip
• Increased risk of falls or injuries due to discomfort
• Possible infection if bursitis is caused by bacteria (septic bursitis)

You can use the Hip Bursitis Symptom Checker to better understand your symptoms and get ready to talk with your healthcare provider.

Remember: This tool is not a diagnosis. Only a medical professional can confirm what’s going on.