By Carl Ivory
Trochanteric bursitis is an inflammation of the fluid-filled sac that cushions the outside point of the hip. The condition can be caused by injury, infection, or inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, but it is most often associated with repetitive stress from overuse injuries to the hip and thigh. Over time, this repetitive motion can cause the bursa to become irritated and inflamed, resulting in pain.
Symptoms of trochanteric bursitis often develop gradually, with pain typically increasing over time. It may be worse when lying on the affected side and aggravated by activities like walking or climbing stairs. Some people will experience a dull ache or burning sensation deep in the buttocks that radiate into the outer side of the thigh. Others may experience sharp pain or tenderness at or near the outside point of the hip that gets worse when they lie on that side.
The pain associated with trochanteric bursitis can be either constant or intermittent and may be made worse by sitting for long periods of time, sleeping on your side, standing after prolonged periods of sitting, attempting to stand up from a seated position, climbing stairs.
Read on to learn more about trochanteric bursitis treatment.
Where is a Trochanteric Bursa Located?
A trochanteric bursa is located on the outer side of the hip. This bursa is a small, lubricated sac that allows muscles and tendons to move smoothly over the bone.
This bursitis is characterized by pain on the outside of the hip joint. It can be found in athletes who participate in running and jumping sports, as well as in people with arthritis of the hip or pelvis. It may also be found in those who have had a recent injury to the hip area.
The pain associated with this bursitis may be felt in the hip area or maybe referred down to the knee. This can make it hard to distinguish from other conditions such as arthritis of the hip or knee problems.
Treatment of trochanteric bursitis begins with rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medications. The use of crutches may help relieve symptoms. Your doctor may prescribe physical therapy exercises to help strengthen muscles around your hip and pelvis.
In rare cases, surgery may be recommended to remove the inflamed bursa if non-surgical measures do not relieve your symptoms.
What’s the Treatment for Trochanteric Bursitis?
The most effective treatment for trochanteric bursitis is to avoid the things that cause the condition and follow an exercise program to strengthen the muscles in your buttock and along the side of your thigh (piriformis).
-Stretching exercises-Stretching exercises can help relieve pain from bursitis.
To stretch your hip, lie on your back with both knees bent and your feet flat on the floor. Cross one foot over the other knee. Hold onto the thigh of your crossed leg and pull that knee toward your chest until you feel a gentle stretch in the buttocks and outer thigh area of your other leg. Hold this position for 20 seconds. Repeat 5 times, then switch legs. Do this twice a day, but stop if it causes pain or increases your pain after activity.
If you have hip bursitis, talk to your doctor before stretching, especially if you have a lot of pain or swelling in your hip or if you’ve had an injury or surgery on your hip. Your doctor can refer you to a physical therapist who can teach you how to do these stretches correctly without causing more harm to your bursa and hip joint.
-Strengthening exercises to treat trochanteric bursitis
Strengthening exercises may help reduce stress on the tendons helping to build strength around the affected joint and improve hip function. Strengthening exercises should focus on strengthening muscles around both hips and pelvis, as well as improving core stability.
-Injections
If other treatments don’t help, your doctor may inject a corticosteroid medication into your hip to reduce inflammation in the bursa. This temporary measure may give you some pain relief and allow you to begin physical therapy.
-Physical therapy
The therapist can use ultrasound, electrical stimulation, hot packs, and heat or ice to relax the muscles surrounding your hip. The therapist can also teach you exercises that may help alleviate your pain and increase the range of motion in your hip.
-Surgery
If these treatments are not successful, you may need surgery to remove the bursa or repair any damage to the hip.
Finally, if you are struggling with this condition, it’s important that you consult your doctor and they will help you out.
