What should you know about sleeping with hip bursitis?

Hip bursitis, also called greater trochanteric pain syndrome, affects tissues around the outer hip. Direct pressure from lying on that side can irritate the area, while the hip position used during sleep may keep surrounding tendons under strain. Pain can also be felt during stairs, walking, or getting up from a chair. Outer hip pain does not identify one cause by itself, so an examination is useful if symptoms persist or the pain feels deep in the groin.

Try sleeping on your back with a pillow under the knees, or on the comfortable side with a pillow between the knees and ankles. Keep the upper leg from falling across the body. Avoid firm pressure from a mattress edge or lying directly on the painful side. During the day, reduce activities that repeatedly load the outer hip, such as prolonged stair use or standing with the hip pushed out. Physiotherapy can address hip and trunk strength, movement habits, and a gradual return to activity. A clinician may discuss other options, including a cortisone injection or shockwave therapy, when appropriate.

Book an assessment if night pain continues, sleep remains disrupted, walking becomes difficult, or symptoms do not improve after changing pressure and activity. Seek prompt care after a fall with inability to bear weight, or for a hot, red, rapidly swollen hip, fever, new weakness, or numbness. These features need a different and timely evaluation.

Which sleep position fits my symptoms? What should I temporarily change during the day? Could the pain come from a tendon, joint, or back? Would physiotherapy or an injection be suitable for me?