Hip Bursitis Treatment at Foot and Ankle Rehabilitation
Hip bursitis causes pain on the outside of the hip, often aggravated by walking, stairs, or lying on the affected side. It is frequently linked to foot and gait mechanics that overload the hip.
At Foot and Ankle Rehabilitation, we relieve bursitis by correcting foot posture, prescribing orthotics, and guiding footwear choices. We also integrate rehabilitation and shockwave therapy when required for long-term relief.
What is Hip Bursitis?
Hip bursitis (trochanteric bursitis) occurs when the fluid-filled sac (bursa) on the outside of the hip joint becomes inflamed and irritated. This causes pain at the outer hip, often worse when lying on the affected side, climbing stairs, or walking long distances.
Although symptoms are felt at the hip, bursitis is often driven by abnormal foot and lower limb mechanics. Excessive pronation, high arches, or leg length differences can cause the pelvis to tilt, increasing friction between the iliotibial band (ITB) and the bursa.
At Foot and Ankle Rehabilitation, we focus on treating these foot-driven causes to relieve pain and reduce recurrence.
Causes & Risk Factors
Excessive pronation or flat feet – rotating the leg inwards and straining the hip
High arches (cavus feet) – poor shock absorption increasing impact at the hip
Leg length difference – causing pelvic tilt and uneven hip loading
Poor footwear – unsupportive shoes increasing rotational stress
Overuse & repetitive activity – running, stair climbing, or hill walking
Weak gluteal muscles – poor hip stabilisation leading to ITB friction
Age & gender – more common in women over 40 due to pelvic anatomy
Previous injury – ankle, knee, or back injury altering gait mechanics
Treatment at Foot and Rehabilitation
Foot & Biomechanical Correction
Custom orthotics – correct pronation, improve pelvic alignment, reduce hip stress
Heel lifts – if leg length discrepancy contributes to bursitis
Footwear advice – recommending cushioned, supportive shoes for daily wear and sport
Load & Activity Management
Temporary reduction of aggravating activities (stairs, hills, side sleeping on painful side)
Gradual reintroduction with improved mechanics
Rehabilitation
Referral to physiotherapy for gluteal strengthening and hip stabilisation programs
Stretching of the ITB and hip flexors to reduce lateral hip tension
Adjunct Therapies
Shockwave therapy – effective for chronic bursitis resistant to standard care
Taping or padding – to reduce direct pressure and improve alignment
Symptoms
Pain on the outside of the hip (greater trochanter area)
Pain worse when lying on the affected side
Pain during walking, running, or climbing stairs
Tenderness on palpation of the outer hip
Aching pain that may radiate down the thigh
Stiffness or weakness with hip movement
Diagnosis
At Foot and Ankle Rehabilitation, diagnosis includes:
Biomechanical assessment – analysing foot posture, pronation, gait, and pelvic alignment
Functional testing – step-downs, single-leg stance, and walking analysis
Palpation of the trochanter – identifying bursal tenderness
Referral for imaging – ultrasound or MRI if further confirmation is needed
Contact us to learn more about Hip bursitis treatment
If you are dealing with Hip bursitis, our team can help you find the most suitable Foot and Ankle Rehabilitation clinic for assessment, diagnosis, and treatment support.
Whether your symptoms are affecting walking, running, exercise, or daily comfort, we can guide you towards the right clinician and the right next step for your care.
Treatment options are available across Pinehill, Smales Farm, Remuera, Botany, Hamilton East, Hamilton Central and Bethlehem
Podiatrist pricing and availability
Pricing for Hip bursitis assessment and treatment can vary depending on your consultation, the severity of your symptoms, the treatment approach recommended, and whether ongoing podiatry or rehabilitation care is required.
Your Foot and Ankle Rehabilitation clinician will assess your tendon, identify the contributing factors to your pain, and explain the most appropriate treatment plan based on your symptoms, activity level, and recovery goals.
To learn more about our podiatrists and current pricing, use the links below:
10,000+
Appointments delivered across our clinics, helping patients improve foot health, mobility, and long-term outcomes.
7 Clinics
Conveniently located across Auckland, Hamilton, and Tauranga, making it easy to access a podiatrist near you.
30+ Treatments
Comprehensive podiatry services including fungal nail care, ingrown toenail treatment, rehabilitation, and general foot care.
Hip Bursitis – FAQs
Can foot problems cause hip bursitis?
Yes. Poor foot mechanics, such as flat feet or leg length differences, can tilt the pelvis and increase friction at the hip.
How do orthotics help hip bursitis?
Orthotics improve lower limb alignment, reducing rotational stress and uneven loading that aggravates the bursa.
Is hip bursitis only caused by overuse?
No. It can also be caused by biomechanical problems, poor footwear, or even prolonged side sleeping.
Can shockwave therapy help?
Yes. Shockwave is effective in stimulating healing and reducing pain in chronic hip bursitis cases.
What’s the difference between bursitis and arthritis?
• Bursitis = inflammation of the bursa (soft tissue).
• Arthritis = degeneration of the joint cartilage itself.
Can hip bursitis spread down the leg?
Yes. Pain may radiate down the outside of the thigh due to ITB involvement.
Can podiatrists treat hip pain?
Yes. Podiatrists treat foot and gait mechanics, which are key drivers of hip bursitis.
How long does hip bursitis take to heal?
With treatment, most cases improve within 6–8 weeks, though chronic cases may take longer.
When should I see a podiatrist?
If hip pain persists despite rest, or is worse with walking, standing, or lying on your side, podiatry assessment is recommended.
Why Choose Foot and Ankle Rehabilitation?
Foot and Ankle Rehabilitation, we specialise in managing hip bursitis by addressing foot mechanics and lower limb alignment. By combining:
Custom orthotics
Footwear optimisation
Shockwave therapy
Integrated rehab with physiotherapy
…we treat both the pain and the underlying cause.
With clinics in Rosedale, Takapuna, Remuera, Botany, Hamilton, and Tauranga, expert hip and lower limb care is available across New Zealand.
