Trochanteric Bursitis of the Hip

Trochanteris bursitic occurs on the side of the hip. It is a condition in the inflammation in the bursa between the tendon and the greater trochanter, or thigh bone. Trochanteric bursitis often affects those who engage in activities such as running, walking and biking as it puts pressure on the area, causing pain and other problems

Cause

• Trochanteric bursitis occurs on account of inflammation or an injury of the bursa. The bursa is the structure where friction occurs between bones, tendons, and muscles. If the long tendon on the side of the thigh is tight, it can lead to friction in the bursa. A bursa can also be inflamed if the hip muscles on the outer side are weak, if the legs are not proportionate, or from running on slanted or uneven surfaces. Although trochanteric bursitis may happen without cause, it can also be on account of hip surgery or even a fall where the hip takes the brunt of impact.

Symptoms

• Pain is the first sign of trochanteric bursitis and it can occur in the area of hip situated right over the bump forming the greater trochanter. If not treated early, the pain may expand and reach outside the thigh, causing difficulty walking and stiffness in the joints. The pain and discomfort caused by trochanteric bursitis can make daily activities and sleeping difficult.

Diagnosis

• An MRI can help eliminate other conditions or provide a diagosis if other tests are unclear. Doctors also prescribe MRIs if less invasive treatment methods are not working.

  An initial diagnosis of trochanteric bursitis is made by physical exam and can be confirmed through X-rays and an MRI. These diagnostic tests create images of the problematic area and help eliminate the possibility of bone spurs, bone calcification or other problems and can help to determine if there is another cause for the pain.

Rest

• Before undertaking any form of treatment, consult your doctor. If bursitis is present, a doctor will advise that you start restricting activity and reducing exercise or sports. Rest is meant to reduce aggravation of the hip and diminish inflammation or pain.

Medication

• A doctor may prescribe medication to help alleviate the pain and symptoms of trochanteric bursitis.

  Anti-inflammatory medicines might be prescribed to help control inflammation and see if some of the pain subsides. A doctor might also prescribe pain medications at the same time. If pain continues, cortisone injections might be a helpful method as a pain management specialist injects a large amount of steroids into the affected area.

Physical Therapy

• A physical therapist can monitor your activity and help you come up with a low-impact stretching and exercise regimen to help in recovery.

  Physical therapy and stretching may also provide some relief, but it should normally be done under supervision of a physical therapist to reduce impact and irritation of the area. A physical therapist should be able to provide exercises that will allow you relief, while toning the muscles.

Surgery

• If there is a significant amount of fluid that has collected around bursa, it may need to be drained by placing a needle in the area. If trochanteric bursitis is not alleviated through other methods, surgery might be required to remove the bursa. A bursectomy is an outpatient procedure with few post-operative complications. Crutches are normally not needed for more than a few days after surgery.