Understanding That Deep, Aching Hip Pain
If you have been dealing with a persistent ache on the outside of your hip, especially one that gets worse when you lie on that side, climb stairs, or stand up after sitting, you may be dealing with hip bursitis. This common condition affects people of all ages and activity levels, and it is one of the most frequent causes of outer hip pain we see at Mayfield Chiropractic in Monroe and Shreveport, Louisiana.
The good news is that hip bursitis often responds well to conservative care. Understanding what is happening inside your hip is the first step toward finding real, lasting relief.
What Is Hip Bursitis?
Throughout your body, small fluid-filled sacs called bursae cushion the points where bones, tendons, and muscles meet. Their job is to reduce friction and allow smooth, pain-free movement. When one of these sacs becomes irritated or inflamed, the result is bursitis.
In the hip, the most commonly affected bursa sits over the greater trochanter, the bony point on the outside of your upper thigh bone. When this bursa becomes inflamed, the condition is called trochanteric bursitis. This is the form of hip bursitis most people experience, and it produces that familiar deep, aching pain along the outer hip that can radiate down the thigh.
A second bursa, located near the front of the hip, can also become inflamed, though this is less common. In either case, the inflamed bursa makes everyday movements uncomfortable and can significantly disrupt sleep, work, and exercise.
Common Symptoms of Trochanteric Bursitis
Hip bursitis tends to follow a recognizable pattern. Symptoms often include:
Pain on the outside of the hip that may extend down the outer thigh. Discomfort that worsens when lying on the affected side, often interrupting sleep. Increased pain when walking, climbing stairs, or rising from a chair after prolonged sitting. Tenderness when pressing on the outer point of the hip. Stiffness or aching after periods of rest that eases slightly with gentle movement, then returns with overuse.
Many people initially mistake this pain for a hip joint problem, a pulled muscle, or even lower back issues. That is one reason a proper evaluation matters. Pain in the hip region can have several possible sources, and identifying the true cause is essential for choosing the right care approach.
What Causes the Bursa to Become Inflamed?
Hip bursitis rarely appears out of nowhere. It usually develops due to repeated stress or an underlying mechanical issue. Common contributing factors include repetitive activities such as running, cycling, or prolonged standing. A direct fall or bump on the hip. Poor posture or gait patterns that place uneven stress on the hip. Leg length differences or spinal misalignment that change how weight is distributed. Weakness or tightness in the muscles around the hip and pelvis. Previous hip surgery or conditions such as arthritis.
Women and adults over 40 tend to experience trochanteric bursitis more frequently, though it can affect anyone, including athletes and active young adults.
How Chiropractic Care Can Help
At Mayfield Chiropractic, our team of doctors and staff focus on identifying and addressing the mechanical factors that contribute to your pain, not just masking symptoms. Because hip bursitis is often tied to how the pelvis, spine, and lower body move together, chiropractic care can play a meaningful role in recovery.
Your visit begins with a thorough evaluation. We look at your posture, gait, spinal alignment, and hip mobility, and we take time to understand your health history and daily habits. From there, we build a care plan tailored to your situation.
Care for hip bursitis may include gentle chiropractic adjustments to improve alignment of the pelvis and spine, which can reduce abnormal stress on the hip. Soft tissue work may help release tension in the muscles surrounding the hip, including the gluteal muscles and the iliotibial band, both of which can compress the bursa when tight. We may also recommend targeted stretches and strengthening exercises to improve stability, along with practical guidance on sleeping positions, activity modification, and ergonomic habits that protect the healing bursa.
Our goal is not only to calm the current inflammation but also to correct the underlying patterns that caused it, so the pain is less likely to return.
Simple Steps You Can Take at Home
While professional care addresses the root cause, a few habits can support your recovery between visits. Avoid lying directly on the painful side, and try placing a pillow between your knees when sleeping. Take breaks from prolonged sitting or standing. Apply ice to the outer hip after activity to calm irritation. Ease back into exercise gradually rather than pushing through pain.
These measures work best as part of a complete plan rather than as a substitute for proper evaluation and care.
Why Choose Mayfield Chiropractic in Monroe and Shreveport?
For patients across northeast Louisiana, Mayfield Chiropractic offers convenient access to care at our offices in Monroe and Shreveport. Our team has extensive experience helping patients manage musculoskeletal conditions, including hip bursitis, back pain, neck pain, and more. We take a patient-centered approach, which means we listen carefully, explain your options clearly, and build a plan around your goals and lifestyle.
Whether your hip pain started after an injury, crept in gradually over months, or has been bothering you for years, you do not have to simply live with it. Conservative, non-invasive care may be exactly what your hip needs to heal.
Take the First Step Toward Relief
If deep hip pain is limiting your sleep, your workouts, or your everyday comfort, we invite you to schedule an evaluation at Mayfield Chiropractic. Call us today at (318) 324-0070 or visit mayfieldchiropractic.com/contact to request an appointment at our Monroe or Shreveport office. Let us help you move comfortably again.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my hip pain is bursitis or something else?
Hip bursitis typically causes pain and tenderness on the outside of the hip that worsens with lying on that side, climbing stairs, or prolonged activity. However, hip joint problems, muscle strains, and lower back conditions can feel similar. A professional evaluation is the best way to identify the true source of your pain and determine the right care plan.
Will hip bursitis go away on its own?
Mild cases sometimes improve with rest and activity modification, but symptoms often return if the underlying cause, such as poor alignment, muscle imbalance, or repetitive stress, is not addressed. Seeking care early can shorten recovery time and reduce the chance of the condition becoming chronic.
Is chiropractic care safe for hip bursitis?
Chiropractic care is generally considered a safe, non-invasive option for many musculoskeletal conditions, including trochanteric bursitis. At Mayfield Chiropractic, we begin with a thorough evaluation to make sure our approach is appropriate for your specific situation, and we tailor every care plan to the individual patient.