Hip pain and injuries are an unwelcome presence in anyone’s life, especially for athletes and others who need their hips to have maximum mobility and flexibility. Many conditions can cause hip pain, from hip flexor sprains to hip tendonitis to trauma. But one of the most common hip injuries is trochanteric bursitis.
What is Trochanteric Bursitis?
Bursae are fluid-filled sacs that cushion muscles, tendons, and ligaments against bone. There are bursae throughout our bodies, and the trochanteric bursa and the iliopsoas bursa are the two major bursae in the hips. The trochanteric bursa is found at the outside point of the hip called the greater trochanter.
Trochanteric bursitis is caused by inflammation and swelling of the trochanteric bursa. When this bursa becomes inflamed or irritated, it causes pain in the hip.
Causes and Symptoms of Trochanteric Bursitis
Overuse, such as climbing, running up stairs (or using a Stairmaster), or standing for long periods of time are common causes of trochanteric bursitis. So are injuries to the hip caused by bumping into a hard object or a fall. Other causes include incorrect posture, stress on soft tissues, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, thyroid disease, or gout.
Symptoms of hip bursitis include:
- Hip pain and stiffness that becomes more intense with repetitive motions
- Pain when pressing on the hip or groin
- Pain when lying on one’s side
- Pain when walking up stairs
- Pain when rising from a deep sitting position
Treating Trochanteric Bursitis
The inflammation and swelling caused by trochanteric bursitis can often be addressed with a combination of rest, heat and cold application, and splints. If these conservative treatments don’t work, your physician may recommend one or more of the following:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen or naproxen.
- Corticosteroid injections
- Physical therapy that includes range of motion exercises and splinting
- Surgery, when other treatments are not effective.
Treatment Options
Treatment for trochanteric bursitis focuses on reducing inflammation and relieving pain. Here are some common approaches:
1. Rest and Activity Modification
Limiting activities that exacerbate hip pain is crucial for recovery. Incorporating rest periods into your routine can help reduce inflammation.
2. Ice Therapy
Applying ice packs to the affected area for 15-20 minutes several times a day can help decrease swelling and numb the pain.
3. Physical Therapy
Working with a physical therapist can help improve strength and flexibility in the hip area. They can design a tailored exercise program to address your specific needs and help you regain mobility.
4. Medications
Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe stronger medications or corticosteroid injections directly into the bursa.
5. Assistive Devices
Using supportive devices, such as crutches or a cane, can help offload stress from the hip joint while it heals.
6. Surgery (Rare Cases)
In rare instances where conservative treatments fail to provide relief, surgical intervention may be considered to remove the inflamed bursa.
FAQs about Trochanteric Bursitis
1. What causes trochanteric bursitis?
Trochanteric bursitis is often caused by repetitive motions, injury to the hip, poor posture, or underlying health conditions such as arthritis or diabetes. It can also result from prolonged pressure on the hip joint, such as lying on the affected side.
2. What are the treatment options for trochanteric bursitis?
Treatment options include rest, ice therapy, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroid injections, and in rare cases, surgery. The focus is on reducing inflammation and relieving pain.
3. How long does it take to recover from trochanteric bursitis?
Recovery time can vary depending on the severity of the condition and the effectiveness of the treatment. With proper care, many individuals see improvement within a few weeks, but full recovery can take several months.
4. How is trochanteric bursitis diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination and a review of your medical history. Your healthcare provider may also use imaging tests like X-rays or MRI scans to rule out other conditions and assess the inflammation.
5. Is surgery necessary for trochanteric bursitis?
Surgery is rarely required for trochanteric bursitis. Most cases can be effectively managed with conservative treatments. However, if symptoms persist despite extensive treatment, your doctor may recommend surgical options.
Living With Hip Pain? You Don’t Have To. Schedule an Appointment at OrthoMiami Today.
At OrthoMiami, we understand the challenges and struggles that come with living with hip pain. We are committed to using the most advanced and effective methods to relieve pain, repair joints, and restore mobility to patients. The OrthoMiami team always welcomes new patients and can generally schedule new patient appointments within a couple of days.
Please contact us today at (305) 596-2828 to schedule your appointment. We look forward to meeting you.
