Hip Bursitis vs. Hip Arthritis: How to Tell the Difference & Treatment Options

Hip pain can make everyday tasks feel uncomfortable or even unbearable. If you're experiencing persistent discomfort, it’s important to determine whether you're dealing with hip bursitis or hip arthritis. Although these conditions affect the same area, they have distinct causes, symptoms, and treatment approaches. Knowing the difference can help you seek the right care early and find lasting relief.

What Is Hip Bursitis?

Hip bursitis occurs when the bursae, small fluid-filled sacs that cushion your joints, become inflamed. In the hip, this typically affects the trochanteric bursa, located on the outer side of the hip.

This condition is often caused by repetitive movements, prolonged pressure from sitting or lying on one side, or direct trauma to the hip. People who frequently climb stairs, run, or stand for long periods are at greater risk.

The pain from bursitis is usually sharp and focused on the outside of the hip. It often worsens when lying on the affected side, standing after long periods, or climbing stairs.

What Is Hip Arthritis?

Hip arthritis is the breakdown of cartilage inside the joint, leading to bone-on-bone friction. The most common type is osteoarthritis, though rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases can also cause inflammation and joint damage.

Unlike the sharp pain of bursitis, arthritis in the hip typically feels like a deep, dull ache within the joint itself. It may cause stiffness, especially in the morning or after resting, and can progressively limit your range of motion over time.

Key Differences Between Hip Bursitis and Hip Arthritis

Understanding how these two conditions differ is key to choosing the right treatment.

Pain Location

Hip bursitis tends to cause pain on the outer side of the hip, while arthritis pain is felt deep within the joint or the groin area.

Symptom Patterns

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.

Impact on Movement

Hip arthritis frequently leads to joint stiffness and limited range of motion. Bursitis may hurt during movement, but doesn’t usually restrict mobility unless inflammation becomes severe.

Diagnosing the Cause of Hip Pain

Accurate diagnosis begins with a thorough physical examination and a discussion about your medical history and symptoms. Imaging studies like X-rays or MRI can help confirm the source of pain. In some cases, doctors may use diagnostic joint injections to identify whether the pain is originating from the joint or surrounding tissues.

Treatment Options for Hip Bursitis

If diagnosed with bursitis, treatment typically focuses on reducing inflammation and relieving pressure on the bursa.

Rest and Activity Modification

Limiting repetitive movements and avoiding pressure on the affected side can help reduce inflammation.

Anti-Inflammatory Medications

Over-the-counter or prescription medications may ease pain and swelling.

Physical Therapy

Guided stretching and strengthening exercises can reduce irritation and prevent future flare-ups.

Corticosteroid Injections

Injections directly into the bursa can provide fast and long-lasting pain relief in more severe cases.

Treatment Options for Hip Arthritis

Managing hip arthritis may require a more comprehensive, long-term strategy depending on the severity of joint damage.

Lifestyle Adjustments

Weight management and low-impact exercises like swimming can reduce strain on the joint.

Physical Therapy

Building strength around the joint helps improve support and reduce pain during movement.

Pain Management

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and corticosteroid injections are commonly used to control symptoms.

Surgical Options

In advanced cases where cartilage is severely worn down, hip replacement surgery may be necessary to restore function and relieve pain.

How Hip Pain Treatment Helps Patients Get Back to Daily Life

The goal of hip pain treatment is not just to reduce discomfort. It is to help patients move with more confidence, sleep more comfortably, and return to the daily activities that pain has interrupted. Whether hip pain is caused by bursitis, arthritis, or another underlying issue, the right treatment plan can make a meaningful difference in function and quality of life.

For patients with hip bursitis, treatment can help calm inflammation around the bursa and reduce sharp outer hip pain. This may make it easier to lie on the affected side, walk longer distances, climb stairs, and move from sitting to standing without sudden pain. When treatment is combined with physical therapy and activity modification, many patients are also able to reduce flare-ups and avoid recurring irritation.

For patients with hip arthritis, care often focuses on reducing joint inflammation, improving mobility, and slowing the impact pain has on everyday life. While arthritis cannot always be reversed, targeted pain management can help patients stay active, maintain strength, and delay or reduce the need for more invasive treatment. Improved hip function can also relieve strain on nearby areas, including the lower back, knees, and opposite hip.

At Greater Austin Pain Center, every treatment plan is based on the patient’s symptoms, diagnosis, lifestyle, and goals. Some patients may benefit from conservative care, while others may need image-guided injections or a more comprehensive pain management plan. With the right approach, patients can often experience better movement, less pain during daily tasks, and a clearer path toward long-term relief.

When to See a Specialist

If your hip pain persists for more than a few weeks, interrupts sleep, or impacts your ability to walk, it’s time to consult a pain management specialist. An expert evaluation can determine whether the problem stems from the bursa, hip joint, or lumbar spine and ensure that you receive the most appropriate care.

Personalized Hip Pain Relief in Austin, TX

At Greater Austin Pain Center, we specialize in diagnosing and treating chronic hip pain, including hip bursitis and hip arthritis. Our experienced providers use the latest techniques and treatments to help you feel better faster. Whether you're struggling with inflammation, joint dysfunction, or pain caused by traumatic injuries, we’re here to help.

With locations in Austin, Dripping Springs, San Marcos, Kyle, and throughout the Austin area, we’re committed to offering local, compassionate pain management care. 

‍Call today or schedule a consultation online to start treating your chronic hip pain. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my hip pain is bursitis or arthritis?

Hip bursitis usually causes sharp pain on the outside of the hip, especially when lying on the affected side, climbing stairs, or standing after sitting. Hip arthritis more often causes a deep ache in the groin or inside the joint, along with stiffness and reduced range of motion. A pain management specialist can perform an exam and may use imaging or diagnostic injections to determine the cause.

Where is hip bursitis pain usually felt?

Hip bursitis pain is most often felt on the outer side of the hip near the bony point of the thigh. The pain may spread down the outside of the thigh and often gets worse with pressure, such as lying on that side.

Where is hip arthritis pain usually felt?

Hip arthritis pain is commonly felt deep in the hip joint, groin, buttock, or upper thigh. It may also cause stiffness, clicking, or difficulty rotating the hip during activities like walking, getting in and out of a car, or putting on shoes.

Can hip bursitis and hip arthritis happen at the same time?

Yes. Some patients can have both hip bursitis and hip arthritis at the same time. Pain may come from inflammation around the bursa, joint damage inside the hip, or even irritation from the lower back. This is why an accurate diagnosis is important before beginning treatment.

Does hip bursitis go away on its own?

Mild hip bursitis may improve with rest, activity changes, ice, anti-inflammatory medication, and stretching. However, if symptoms last more than a few weeks or keep returning, professional treatment may be needed to reduce inflammation and prevent ongoing irritation.

Is hip arthritis permanent?

Hip arthritis involves wear or inflammation inside the joint, so the underlying joint changes may not fully go away. However, treatment can help reduce pain, improve mobility, and support better function. Many patients are able to manage symptoms with a combination of physical therapy, lifestyle changes, medication, and targeted injections.

What makes hip pain worse?

Hip pain may worsen with repetitive activity, prolonged standing, climbing stairs, lying on the affected side, or sitting for long periods. Arthritis pain may be worse after rest or inactivity, while bursitis pain often worsens with direct pressure on the outer hip.

When should I see a doctor for hip pain?

You should see a specialist if hip pain lasts more than a few weeks, affects your sleep, makes walking difficult, limits your range of motion, or does not improve with rest and home care. You should also seek care sooner if your pain began after an injury or is severe.

How is hip pain diagnosed?

Hip pain is diagnosed through a physical exam, medical history, symptom review, and sometimes imaging such as X-rays or MRI. In some cases, diagnostic injections may be used to help determine whether the pain is coming from the hip joint, bursa, surrounding tissues, or lower back.

What treatments are available for hip bursitis?

Treatment for hip bursitis may include rest, activity modification, anti-inflammatory medication, physical therapy, stretching, and corticosteroid injections. The goal is to reduce inflammation, relieve pressure on the bursa, and prevent future flare-ups.

What treatments are available for hip arthritis?

Hip arthritis treatment may include lifestyle changes, low-impact exercise, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medication, corticosteroid injections, and other pain management options. In severe cases, a patient may be referred for surgical evaluation if joint damage is advanced.

Can injections help hip pain?

Yes. Injections may help reduce inflammation and provide targeted pain relief for certain hip conditions. Corticosteroid injections may be used for hip bursitis or arthritis, depending on the source of pain. Image guidance may be used to place the medication accurately.

Can hip pain come from the lower back?

Yes. Pain from the lumbar spine can sometimes travel into the hip, buttock, or leg. Conditions such as nerve irritation, sciatica, or spinal arthritis can mimic hip pain. A specialist can help determine whether your symptoms are coming from the hip itself or from another area.

What happens if hip bursitis is left untreated?

Untreated hip bursitis can become more painful over time and may interfere with walking, sleeping, exercise, and daily movement. Ongoing irritation can also lead to recurring flare-ups. Early treatment can help reduce inflammation and prevent symptoms from becoming chronic.

Can physical therapy help hip bursitis or hip arthritis?

Yes. Physical therapy can help strengthen the muscles around the hip, improve flexibility, reduce strain on the joint or bursa, and support better movement patterns. It is often an important part of long-term hip pain management.