Trochanteric bursitis is a painful condition characterized by inflammation of the bursa located near the outer point of the hip, known as the greater trochanter. The bursa is a small sac filled with fluid that cushions and reduces friction between bones, tendons, and muscles around the hip joint. When irritated or inflamed, it can cause localized pain, tenderness, and discomfort, especially with activities like walking, climbing stairs, or lying on the affected side.

This condition often manifests with pain radiating down the outer thigh and may be aggravated by prolonged sitting or repetitive movements involving the hip.

Causes and Risk Factors

Trochanteric bursitis, inflammation of the bursa located near the greater trochanter of the femur, can stem from various causes and risk factors. These may include repetitive stress or overuse, injury or trauma to the hip area, underlying conditions like osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, and anatomical abnormalities affecting hip mechanics.

Risk factors encompass activities that involve repetitive motions, such as running or cycling, obesity placing excess strain on the hip joints, poor posture, and certain occupations requiring prolonged standing or heavy lifting. Understanding these factors is crucial for prevention, proper diagnosis, and effective management of trochanteric bursitis.

Signs and Symptoms

Trochanteric bursitis manifests with pain on the outside of the hip, often worsening with prolonged standing, walking, or climbing stairs. Tenderness may be felt over the bony prominence of the hip (greater trochanter). Pain can radiate down the thigh, sometimes mistaken for hip joint pain or sciatica.

Activities requiring hip abduction or prolonged pressure on the affected side aggravate symptoms. Swelling and warmth may be present over the inflamed bursa. Painful hip motions such as getting up from a chair or lying on the affected side are common. In severe cases, the pain may disturb sleep.

Diagnosis and Assessment

Assessing trochanteric bursitis involves a comprehensive examination of your symptoms, focusing on localized pain and tenderness around the outer hip region. Palpation of the affected area is crucial to identify tender points and assess for swelling or warmth indicative of inflammation. Evaluating the patient's range of motion helps gauge the extent of functional impairment.

While imaging techniques like X-rays or MRI scans can support diagnosis by ruling out other hip pathologies, the clinical assessment remains paramount. Additionally, assessing factors contributing to bursitis development, such as biomechanical issues or overuse injuries, aids in tailoring an effective treatment plan.

Treatment Options

Treatment for trochanteric bursitis typically begins conservatively, with rest, ice packs, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce pain and inflammation. Physical therapy exercises targeting hip and gluteal muscles can improve strength and flexibility, alleviating pressure on the bursa. Corticosteroid injections may provide short-term relief by reducing inflammation directly in the affected area.