Risk Factors. The risk of getting hip bursitis increases if the greater trochanter is injured or overused. Bursitis is also more of a risk if the person suddenly starts to exercise more than they are used to. These people include “weekend warriors,” who play a lot of sports or do a lot of exercise on the weekends after a week of being mostly sedentary. The condition can also be a side effect of an infection or arthritis. Athletes are at risk for hip bursitis if they do not warm up properly before a game.