What should you know about hip bursitis groin pain?

Trochanteric bursitis, also called greater trochanteric pain syndrome, usually involves tenderness over the outer hip. Groin discomfort is deeper and may be linked with the hip joint, a hip-flexor or adductor muscle, or pain referred from the pelvis or lower back. A person can have more than one irritated area, particularly after changing how they walk. Pain with turning the leg, putting on shoes, getting into a car, or rising from a low seat can help a clinician distinguish patterns, but symptoms alone cannot provide a diagnosis.

Note where the pain begins, what motion brings it on, and whether it travels to the thigh. Temporarily reduce deep squats, forceful stretching, and activities that produce sharp groin pain. Gentle, comfortable movement is usually more useful than prolonged bed rest. A physiotherapy assessment can examine hip range, muscle control, and walking mechanics. If symptoms remain limiting, a doctor may discuss options such as an injection or another treatment after identifying the pain source.

Seek urgent assessment after a fall or other injury if you cannot bear weight, or if the leg appears shortened or turned unusually. Get prompt medical help for fever with a hot, swollen hip, severe pain that escalates quickly, or new weakness or numbness. Groin pain with abdominal symptoms, a new bulge, or urinary problems also needs medical review because it may not be coming from the hip.

Does my groin pain fit a hip-joint problem more than an outer-hip bursa problem? Could a muscle, tendon, back, or pelvic source be involved? Which activities can I continue safely? Would physiotherapy help, and when would an injection be appropriate?