When to worry about hip pain with trochanteric bursitis

Trochanteric bursitis affects a fluid-filled cushion near the bony outer side of the hip. Pain is often felt over the outside of the hip and may worsen when lying on that side, climbing stairs, or walking for longer. Tenderness can make pressure from a bed or chair uncomfortable. Similar pain may arise from the nearby tendons or lower back, so a persistent or changed pattern should be examined.

Arrange a routine appointment if symptoms continue, return repeatedly, or limit sleep, work, exercise, or ordinary walking. Avoid lying directly on the painful side and temporarily reduce hills, stairs, and movements that clearly flare the area. Keep gentle activity within comfort and note triggers, tenderness, swelling, and any recent change in training or workload. A physiotherapist can guide gradual strengthening.

Seek prompt medical help for a hot, red, rapidly swollen outer hip or fever, because infection needs consideration. Get urgent assessment after a fall if you cannot bear weight, or for severe pain with an obvious deformity. New weakness, spreading numbness, or loss of bladder or bowel control also requires urgent evaluation and should not be assumed to be bursitis.

Ask whether the tenderness and movement pattern fit trochanteric bursitis or a tendon problem, and which activities to modify. Discuss suitable pain relief, physiotherapy exercises, and what change should lead to an earlier review.