Trochanteric Bursitis - Causes, Symptoms, And Treatment Options

4.4KShares

64.7KViews

Trochanteric bursitis is a common condition characterized by inflammation of the bursa sac that sits over the greater trochanter of the femur.

The bursa is a small, fluid-filled sac that helps reduce friction between the bone and surrounding soft tissues. Inflammation of this bursa sac can lead to pain and discomfort in the hip area.

Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for trochanteric bursitis is essential for managing this condition effectively.

Causes Of Trochanteric Bursitis

Trochanteric bursitis is a condition that occurs when the bursa sac located over the greater trochanter of the femur becomes inflamed. The bursa sac is a small fluid-filled sac that helps reduce friction between the bone and surrounding soft tissues. Inflammation of this sac can lead to pain and discomfort in the hip area.

COPYRIGHT_SZ: Published on https://stationzilla.com/trochanteric-bursitis/ by Dr. Cooney Blades on 2023-04-24T09:54:26.389Z

There are several factors that can cause trochanteric bursitis, including:

Repetitive Stress Injuries: Repetitive stress injuries are one of the most common causes of trochanteric bursitis. These injuries occur when the bursa is repeatedly compressed or irritated, such as during long-distance running, walking or cycling.
Direct Trauma: Direct trauma, such as a fall or direct blow to the hip area, can also cause trochanteric bursitis. The impact can damage the bursa, leading to inflammation and pain.
Inflammatory Conditions: Inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, or psoriatic arthritis can cause trochanteric bursitis. These conditions cause the body's immune system to attack its own tissues, leading to inflammation in the bursa sac.
Hip Structure Abnormalities: Abnormalities in the hip structure, such as femoral anteversion or coxa vara, can also cause trochanteric bursitis. These structural abnormalities can lead to abnormal biomechanics in the hip joint, which can put additional stress on the bursa sac.
Overuse: Overuse of the hip joint can also cause trochanteric bursitis. This can occur with activities that require repetitive hip movement, such as dancing, or with activities that require prolonged standing or walking.
Age: As we age, the bursa sacs can become less flexible and more prone to inflammation. This can increase the risk of developing trochanteric bursitis.
Other factors: Other factors that can increase the risk of trochanteric bursitis include obesity, previous hip surgery, and poor posture.

Several factors can cause trochanteric bursitis, including repetitive stress injuries, direct trauma, inflammatory conditions, hip structure abnormalities, overuse, age, obesity, previous hip surgery, and poor posture. If you are experiencing pain or discomfort in your hip area, it is important to seek medical attention to receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Understanding Trochanteric Bursitis

Symptoms Of Trochanteric Bursitis

Trochanteric bursitis is a condition that can cause pain and discomfort in the hip area. The symptoms of trochanteric bursitis can vary from person to person and may include the following:

Pain on the outside of the hip: One of the most common symptoms of trochanteric bursitis is pain on the outside of the hip. The pain may be sharp or dull and may worsen with activity, such as walking or climbing stairs.
Pain that radiates down the thigh: In some cases, the pain from trochanteric bursitis may radiate down the thigh. This can make it difficult to perform daily activities, such as standing up from a seated position.
Tenderness to the touch: The affected area may be tender to the touch, especially over the bursa sac. This tenderness may worsen with activity or when pressure is applied to the area.
Stiffness: Trochanteric bursitis can also cause stiffness in the hip area, which can make it difficult to move or perform certain activities.
Swelling: Inflammation of the bursa sac can also cause swelling in the hip area.
Difficulty sleeping: The pain and discomfort from trochanteric bursitis can make it difficult to sleep at night, especially if you sleep on the affected side.
Limited mobility: Severe cases of trochanteric bursitis can limit your mobility, making it difficult to perform daily activities or participate in sports.

It is important to note that the symptoms of trochanteric bursitis can be similar to those of other hip conditions, such as hip osteoarthritis or a hip labral tear. Therefore, it is important to seek medical attention to receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Diagnosis Of Trochanteric Bursitis

Diagnosing trochanteric bursitis can be challenging because the symptoms can be similar to other hip conditions. However, there are several tests and procedures that healthcare professionals can use to diagnose this condition. These may include:

Physical examination: A healthcare professional will perform a physical examination to assess the hip area for tenderness, swelling, and pain. They may also ask about your medical history and any previous hip injuries or surgeries.
Imaging tests: Imaging tests such as X-rays, MRI scans, or ultrasound scans may be ordered to assess the hip joint and rule out other conditions such as hip osteoarthritis or a hip labral tear.
Injection test: A diagnostic injection of local anesthetic and corticosteroid medication into the bursa sac may be performed to confirm the diagnosis of trochanteric bursitis. If the injection provides immediate pain relief, it is a positive sign of trochanteric bursitis.
Blood tests: Blood tests may be ordered to check for underlying inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout, that can cause trochanteric bursitis.
Hip range of motion test: A healthcare professional may assess the range of motion of the hip joint to see if there are any restrictions or limitations in movement.

It is important to receive an accurate diagnosis of trochanteric bursitis to ensure appropriate treatment and management. Misdiagnosis or delayed treatment can lead to complications or chronic pain.

Trochanteric Bursitis (Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome) | Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment

Treatment Options For Trochanteric Bursitis

The treatment of trochanteric bursitis usually involves a combination of non-surgical and surgical interventions. The treatment plan depends on the severity of the condition and the patient's overall health. The following are the treatment options for trochanteric bursitis:

Rest and activity modification: Rest and avoiding activities that worsen the pain are the first steps in treating trochanteric bursitis. A healthcare professional may advise the patient to take a break from high-impact activities, such as running or jumping, and to engage in low-impact exercises, such as swimming or cycling.
Ice and heat therapy: Applying ice or heat to the affected area can help reduce pain and inflammation. A healthcare professional may recommend alternating ice and heat therapy to help relieve symptoms.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or naproxen can help reduce pain and inflammation associated with trochanteric bursitis. However, long-term use of these medications can have side effects, and it is important to use them as directed by a healthcare professional.
Physical therapy: A physical therapist can help the patient with exercises to improve strength and flexibility in the hip area. They may also use techniques such as massage, ultrasound, and stretching to help relieve symptoms.
Corticosteroid injections: A healthcare professional may recommend a corticosteroid injection into the bursa sac to reduce inflammation and relieve pain. However, repeated use of corticosteroid injections can weaken the surrounding tissues and increase the risk of complications.
Surgery: If conservative treatments do not relieve symptoms, surgery may be necessary. The surgical procedure involves removing the bursa sac or repairing any underlying hip conditions such as a torn hip labrum.

It is essential to work with a healthcare professional to develop a treatment plan that is appropriate for the patient's individual needs. A combination of these treatments may be used to effectively manage trochanteric bursitis and improve the patient's quality of life.

Prevention Of Trochanteric Bursitis

There are several ways to prevent trochanteric bursitis, especially for individuals who are at a higher risk of developing this condition. The following are some ways to prevent trochanteric bursitis:

Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight or obese puts extra stress on the hips and can increase the risk of developing trochanteric bursitis. Maintaining a healthy weight through proper diet and regular exercise can reduce the risk of developing this condition.
Engage in proper exercise techniques: Improper exercise techniques can lead to hip injuries and increase the risk of developing trochanteric bursitis. It is essential to engage in proper exercise techniques and gradually increase the intensity and duration of exercise to prevent hip injuries.
Wear appropriate footwear: Wearing proper footwear that provides good support and cushioning can help reduce stress on the hips and prevent hip injuries.
Use protective gear: Individuals who engage in high-impact activities such as running or contact sports should wear protective gear such as hip pads to reduce the risk of hip injuries.
Stretch before and after exercise: Stretching before and after exercise can help improve flexibility, reduce muscle tension, and prevent hip injuries.
Gradual increase in intensity: When starting a new exercise program, it is important to gradually increase the intensity and duration of exercise to prevent hip injuries.
Treat underlying medical conditions: Underlying medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout can increase the risk of developing trochanteric bursitis. It is essential to treat these conditions to prevent the development of trochanteric bursitis.

Trochanteric bursitis can be prevented by maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in proper exercise techniques, wearing appropriate footwear, using protective gear, stretching before and after exercise, gradually increasing exercise intensity, and treating underlying medical conditions. By taking preventive measures, individuals can reduce the risk of developing trochanteric bursitis and maintain healthy hip function.

An x-ray illustration showing a hip bone with a part in red signifying the part with an issue

Conclusion

Trochanteric bursitis is a common condition that can cause pain and discomfort in the hip area. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for this condition is essential for managing it effectively. If you suspect you may have trochanteric bursitis, seek medical attention to receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. With proper treatment and prevention measures, most patients can expect to fully recover and resume their normal activities.

Share: Twitter | Facebook | Linkedin