Trochanteric bursitis is a condition that causes pain and inflammation in the bursa located near the greater trochanter of the femur (thigh bone). The bursa is a small, fluid-filled sac that helps to cushion and reduce friction between the bone, tendons, and muscles in the hip area.
Symptoms
The common symptoms of trochanteric bursitis include:
- Pain on the outside of the hip that worsens with prolonged sitting, walking or running.
- Pain that radiates down the thigh towards the knee.
- Swelling, redness, or warmth over the affected area.
- Tenderness or pain when pressure is applied to the hip.
Causes
The common causes of trochanteric bursitis include:
- Repetitive stress on the hip, such as prolonged sitting, walking, or running.
- Trauma or injury to the hip.
- Preexisting conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or gout.
- Incorrect posture or gait.
- Tight hip muscles, such as iliotibial band syndrome.
Risk factors
The common risk factors for trochanteric bursitis include:
- Aging.
- Participation in activities that involve repetitive hip movements, such as long-distance running, dancing, or cycling.
- Obesity.
- Previous hip surgery.
- Spine disease, such as scoliosis or osteoporosis.
Associated conditions
Trochanteric bursitis can occur in association with other conditions, such as hip osteoarthritis, low back pain, and iliotibial band syndrome.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of trochanteric bursitis involves a thorough physical examination, including a review of the medical history, assessment of hip movements, and palpation of the affected area. Diagnostic imaging tests, such as X-rays or MRI scans, may also be ordered to rule out other conditions that may be causing the symptoms.
Differential diagnosis
Trochanteric bursitis can be differentiated from other conditions that cause hip pain, such as hip osteoarthritis, hip labral tear, hip impingement, and stress fracture.
Treatment options
The treatment of trochanteric bursitis involves both conservative and medical interventions, which may include:
- Rest and avoidance of activities that aggravate the pain.
- Ice or heat application to the affected area.
- Physical therapy exercises to strengthen the hip muscles and improve flexibility.
- Use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce inflammation and pain.
- Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation in the bursa.
- Shockwave therapy to break up calcifications and promote healing.
Typical recovery timeframes
With appropriate treatment, most cases of trochanteric bursitis can be resolved within a few weeks to a few months. However, recovery timeframes may vary depending on the severity of the condition and the response to treatment.
Prognosis
The prognosis of trochanteric bursitis is generally good with proper treatment. Most patients experience a significant reduction in pain and improvement in function, although some cases may require ongoing management to prevent recurrence.