Hip bursitis
Hip bursitis, often called trochanteric pain, is irritation of the fluid-filled cushion (the bursa) and tendons on the outer side of the hip. Read more about hip bursitis →
If symptoms are sudden, severe or getting worse, contact your GP or NHS 111.
Where are you up to?
The NHS reports waiting times by specialty, not by individual condition, so this is the orthopaedics wait, updated August 2026. Enter a postcode to see the hospitals near you.
orthopaedics waiting times by hospital
| Trust | Location | Typical wait |
|---|---|---|
| Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust | Reading | 5 weeks |
| Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust | Bath and North East Somerset | 12 weeks |
| Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust | Liverpool | 13 weeks |
| George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust | Nuneaton and Bedworth | 13 weeks |
| South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust | Warwick | 14 weeks |
| University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust | Birmingham | 15 weeks |
| South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust | Middlesbrough | 15 weeks |
| University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust | Camden | 16 weeks |
About hip bursitis
Hip bursitis, often called trochanteric pain, is irritation of the fluid-filled cushion (the bursa) and tendons on the outer side of the hip. It causes pain and tenderness over the bony point of the hip that can spread down the outer thigh, and is often worse lying on that side, climbing stairs, or after sitting for a while. It is usually brought on by overuse, a change in activity, or the tendons around the hip being irritated.
How it is treated
It almost always settles without surgery. The usual steps are easing off the activities that set it off, pain relief, and physiotherapy to stretch and strengthen the muscles around the hip. A steroid injection into the area is sometimes offered if the pain is not settling. Surgery is rarely needed.
After treatment
Most people improve over several weeks to a few months with activity changes and exercises, though it can take time to settle fully. Keeping up the exercises and building activity back gradually helps stop it returning.
Sources: NHS: Hip pain. Last updated October 2026.
What happens next with hip bursitis
The usual steps, from seeing your GP to recovery, and the questions people ask at each one.
Before referral
How do I get this looked at?
See your GP about pain on the outer side of the hip. They can examine you, suggest rest and exercises, and refer you if it doesn’t settle. Your NHS waiting time starts once a hospital receives a referral.
Source: NHS, Bursitis
Does it always need hospital treatment?
Usually not. Bursitis often settles with rest, ice and gentle exercises, and a referral or injection is for cases that don’t improve.
Source: NHS, Bursitis
Getting referred
How do I get referred?
Ask your GP to refer you to a musculoskeletal (MSK) or physiotherapy service. For most planned care you have a legal right to choose which hospital, including one with a shorter wait.
Source: NHS, Your choices in the NHS
Your first hospital appointment
What happens at the appointment?
A specialist or physiotherapist examines your hip, talks through exercises and treatment, and may suggest a steroid injection. Bring your symptoms and questions.
Source: NHS, Going into hospital
Deciding on treatment
What are my options?
Most people improve with rest, physiotherapy and sometimes a steroid injection. Your physiotherapist or specialist will guide you.
Source: NHS, Bursitis
How long does it take to settle?
It often settles over a few weeks to months with the right care.
Source: NHS, Bursitis
Can I keep working?
You can usually keep working. Ask your physiotherapist or specialist about activities to avoid.
Source: NHS, Bursitis
General information only, not medical advice. Wait or Pay is independent and is not the NHS. Your GP decides what care, if any, you need.