Hip Bursitis in Macomb County: A Guide to Outer-Hip Discomfort
Bursitis is one of the causes commonly associated with hip pain. This page explains what a bursa is, where hip bursitis is typically felt, and how it differs from other commonly discussed sources of hip discomfort — written as an educational resource for the Macomb County, Michigan community.
What is hip bursitis?
A bursa is a small, fluid-filled sac that sits between moving structures in the body — typically between a bone and the soft tissue passing over it. Its job is to reduce friction. There are several bursae around the hip, and the term bursitis simply refers to irritation or inflammation of one of them.
The bursa most often discussed in relation to hip pain sits over the greater trochanter — the bony point you can feel on the outside of your upper thigh. That is why hip bursitis is usually described as pain on the outside of the hip, rather than deep inside the joint or in the groin.
Hip bursitis is irritation of a fluid-filled cushioning sac near the hip joint. It is most commonly associated with tenderness on the outside of the hip, and it involves the soft tissue around the joint rather than the joint surface itself.
Where the term “greater trochanteric pain syndrome” comes in
Outer-hip pain was historically labeled trochanteric bursitis. Over time, clinicians recognized that discomfort in that region often involves the nearby tendons as well as the bursa, so the broader term greater trochanteric pain syndrome is now frequently used. Both terms describe pain in the same general area on the outside of the hip.
How outer-hip discomfort is commonly described
People describe hip bursitis in fairly consistent ways. None of the descriptions below is diagnostic on its own — they are simply the patterns that come up most often in conversation.
Point tenderness
Outer hipA tender spot over the bony point on the outside of the hip that is sore to press on. People often say they can put a finger directly on the spot that bothers them.
Night discomfort
Side-lyingDifficulty lying on the affected side is one of the most frequently reported patterns. It is common to feel hip discomfort at night, and some people describe changing sleeping position because of it.
Discomfort with activity
Walking, stairs, standingHip pain may come and go, or get worse while walking or moving. Stairs, long walks, and getting up after sitting for a while are commonly mentioned.
Pain that spreads down the thigh
Outer thighDiscomfort that travels from the outer hip down the side of the thigh is often described. This can prompt questions about whether the source is the hip, the low back, or a nerve.
Stiffness and reduced motion
GeneralLimping, stiffness, swelling, and loss of motion are commonly reported alongside hip pain generally, including outer-hip discomfort.
Everyday factors associated with outer-hip irritation
These are factors that come up frequently in discussions of hip bursitis. They are contributing patterns people describe, not causes that apply to everyone.
Repetitive use
The muscles, tendons and ligaments around the hip can become overused and become a constant source of pain.
Sudden increase in activity
A jump in walking distance, a new exercise routine, or a weekend of yard work after a quiet stretch.
Prior injury
A fall onto the hip or a direct impact to the outside of the hip is commonly mentioned as a starting point.
Gait changes
Walking differently — because of a knee, ankle, foot or back issue — changes how load travels through the hip.
Pelvic alignment
How the pelvis sits influences how weight is distributed through each hip, which is a core chiropractic consideration.
Leg length difference
A difference in functional leg length is frequently discussed in relation to uneven loading of the hips.
Prolonged sitting
Long stretches of desk work or driving — familiar to many commuters in Metro Detroit — are commonly cited.
Sleeping position
Consistently sleeping on one side is often mentioned in conjunction with outer-hip tenderness at night.
Why the low back and pelvis are part of an outer-hip conversation
Chiropractic is a licensed, drug-free healthcare profession focused on the spine, pelvis, posture and overall body function. When someone describes discomfort on the outside of the hip, the region is generally examined as part of a chain rather than in isolation.
Macomb Township Chiropractic describes chiropractic care as restoring proper alignment of the spine and pelvis, and discusses that in relation to inflammation, muscle function, mobility and stress on the hip joint and surrounding muscles. You can read the practice’s own description on the Macomb Township Chiropractic hip pain page.
The pelvis is the foundation
The spine sits on the pelvis. Its position affects how body weight travels down through each hip during standing and walking.
Nerves to the hip come from the lower spine
The nerves supplying the hip region exit from the lumbar spine, which is why the low back is part of most hip examinations.
Muscles cross more than one joint
Several muscles that act on the hip also attach to the pelvis and lower spine, so tension in one area is discussed alongside the others.
Posture is measurable
Chiropractic Biophysics — the technique Dr. McNeil is certified in — emphasizes objectively measuring posture and spinal structure rather than assessing it by eye alone.
Each situation is individual
Two people describing outer-hip discomfort may have very different examination findings, which is why care plans are built individually.
How a first visit is typically structured
People often ask what actually happens at a chiropractic office. This is the general sequence at Macomb Township Chiropractic — a description of process, not a prediction of results.
You call
Call (586) 566-2273 to ask questions or schedule a consultation. No referral is required.
Consultation
A conversation about what you’re describing, when you notice it, and your history and daily activity.
Examination
A physical and postural examination. This practice uses X-rays to look at spinal and pelvic alignment.
Review & plan
Dr. McNeil discusses the findings with you and, if chiropractic care is appropriate, builds an individualized plan.
More on hip pain in Macomb County
Hip pain overview
Start with the hip pain in Macomb overview for where hip discomfort is felt and what it’s commonly associated with.
Full reference guide
The hip pain and chiropractic reference guide covers definitions, comparisons and detailed questions and answers.
The practice
See the practice’s own hip pain page, or follow Macomb Township Chiropractic on Facebook.
Questions people ask about hip bursitis
What is hip bursitis?
Hip bursitis refers to irritation or inflammation of a bursa near the hip. A bursa is a small fluid-filled sac that reduces friction between a bone and the soft tissue passing over it. The bursa most often discussed sits over the greater trochanter, the bony point on the outside of the upper thigh.
Where is hip bursitis usually felt?
It is most commonly described as tenderness on the outside of the hip, sometimes spreading down the outer thigh. This is different from discomfort felt in the groin or deep inside the hip joint.
What is greater trochanteric pain syndrome?
Greater trochanteric pain syndrome is a broader term now often used for outer-hip pain. It was historically called trochanteric bursitis, but clinicians recognized that discomfort in that region frequently involves nearby tendons as well as the bursa. Both terms describe pain in the same general area.
Why is hip bursitis often worse at night?
Lying on the affected side places direct pressure on the outer hip, which is why difficulty sleeping on that side is one of the most frequently reported patterns. Hip pain generally can be more prominent on first waking, and it is also common to feel discomfort at night.
How is hip bursitis different from hip arthritis?
Bursitis involves the soft tissue structures around the joint, while arthritis involves the joint surfaces themselves. Bursitis is typically described on the outside of the hip, whereas hip joint discomfort is more often described in the groin or deep in the joint. Only a qualified healthcare provider can determine what is happening in an individual case.
Why would a chiropractor look at my back if my outer hip hurts?
The pelvis is the foundation the spine sits on, and the nerves supplying the hip region exit from the lower spine. Chiropractic focuses on the alignment of the spine and pelvis and how the body functions as a connected structure, so the low back and pelvis are examined alongside the hip.
Where is Macomb Township Chiropractic located?
The office is located at 48866 Hayes Road, Macomb, Michigan 48044, and serves Macomb Township, Sterling Heights, Shelby Township, Clinton Township, Warren, Chesterfield, New Baltimore and the surrounding area. The phone number is (586) 566-2273.
Have a question about something you read here?
This page is an educational resource. For questions about your own situation, a conversation with a qualified provider is the right starting point.
Call (586) 566-2273Dr. Chris McNeil, D.C.
Macomb, MI 48044