What does hip pain feel like with trochanteric bursitis?

Pain is commonly felt over the bony prominence on the outside of the hip. It may be sharp when that area is pressed, then become a dull ache that spreads down the outer thigh. Walking uphill, standing on one leg, climbing stairs, or rising from a chair may aggravate it. Turning in bed can be uncomfortable. Similar outer-hip symptoms may involve nearby tendons, so tenderness does not establish the diagnosis alone.

Avoid lying on the painful side and consider a pillow between the knees when resting on the other side. Temporarily reduce hills, repeated stairs, and activities that cause a clear flare. Keep gentle movement and gradually build hip and leg strength with guidance. A clinician or physiotherapist can assess walking, hip strength, and load on the outer hip.

Seek an assessment if outer-hip pain persists, wakes you repeatedly, or makes normal walking and stairs difficult. Get prompt help if the hip becomes hot, red, or swollen, fever develops, or pain follows a fall and you cannot bear weight. Sudden severe pain also warrants medical advice.

Ask whether the pain is coming from the bursa, gluteal tendons, the joint, or the back. Discuss suitable sleeping positions, a safe strengthening plan, and how to increase activity without provoking a lasting flare.