Hip Pain -- From Arthritis or Bursitis?


The hip is an area of the body dense with bone, ligaments, tendons, and muscles—all of which can cause pain if something goes wrong. Just like with low back pain, the source of hip pain can be difficult to pinpoint.


Hip bursitis pain usually originates from the outside of the hip.

What is hip bursitis?

Hip bursitis is often the culprit of hip pain. But because of its tendency to share symptoms with hip osteoarthritis or lower back pain, hip bursitis is known as “the Great Mimicker.”


Hip bursitis occurs when the hip joint’s bursa, a thin sack on the outside of the joint that protects it, becomes inflamed. Hip bursitis can be caused by an injury to the hip or by an underlying issue, such as a pinched nerve in the back.

Bursitis and osteoarthritis: comparing symptoms

A closer look at the symptoms of hip bursitis and hip osteoarthritis can help distinguish the two:

Hip bursitis symptoms:

Hip pain is on the outside of the lower hip
Pain can start sharply and gradually change to a dull ache
Pain may spread to the thigh, lower back, groin, or buttock
Pain is worse after prolonged inactivity (like sleeping or sitting) or repetitive activity (like jogging or climbing stairs)
Pain and tenderness may increase when pressure is put on the affected hip, such as when lying on your side


Hip osteoarthritis symptoms:

The pain originates from the inside of the hip joint, so it's often felt in the buttock, groin, and thigh as well as the hip
Pain and stiffness comes on gradually and gets worse over time
The hip feels stiff and inflexible
There may be grating or creaking sensations
Secondary pain may appear in the knee because of hip stiffness or deformity

Both of these conditions can be managed through ayurvedic & panchkarma therapies.
Arogyam Ayurveda
Ayurvedic, Panchkarma & Naturopathy Centre
GH-14/ 1198, 1st Floor
Paschim Vihar
Delhi-110087
+91-1165443641
+91-9990463641