Trochanteric Bursitis

If you suffer from trochanteric bursitis, you will likely notice pain in the outer area of your hip. There are many causes of this condition and it should not go untreated.

When you suffer from hip pain, you need the right treatment from Dr. John Andrachuk. With years of experience treating many types of injuries, including trochanteric bursitis, Dr. Andrachuk is the best choice for your Orthopedic Sports Medicine surgeon in Atlanta.

What is Trochanteric Bursitis?

Trochanteric bursitis is inflammation found in the bursa of your hip. The bursa is a fluid-filled sac found near the joint in the area of the hip known as the greater trochanter. If the bursa becomes inflamed or irritated, it will likely cause hip pain.

What Causes Trochanteric Bursitis?

There are several causes of trochanteric bursitis including:

• Incorrect posture – If you’ve struggled with other issues, such as scoliosis, you might develop trochanteric bursitis due to this posture issue. It can also happen due to other spine issues affecting your posture.
• Hip injuries – If you experience an impact to the hip from a fall, an athletic injury, or lying on one side of your body for a long amount of time, it may cause trochanteric bursitis.
• Overuse – An overuse injury is a common cause of trochanteric bursitis. If you perform activities, such as climbing, running upstairs, or standing for long periods, you might develop trochanteric bursitis. 
• Previous surgery – If you’ve had hip surgery in the past, you might suffer from trochanteric bursitis.
• Soft Tissue Stress – If you suffer from stress on the soft tissues found around the hips due to leg length difference or a poorly positioned joint, it could lead to trochanteric bursitis.
• Hip calcium deposits or bone spurs 
• Other diseases – trochanteric bursitis is common with patients suffering from gout, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid disease, or unusual drug reaction. It can even happen due to an infection, although this is rare.

Women are the most common victims suffering from trochanteric bursitis. It’s most common in middle-aged and elderly people, but trochanteric bursitis can be found in anybody.

Trochanteric Bursitis Symptoms

The following symptoms are most common if you suffer from trochanteric bursitis:

• Pain when walking upstairs
• Pain found on the outside of your hip
• Pain in the buttock or thigh area
• Pain when pressing on the outside of the hip

Worsening pain when performing activities or after sitting for long periods

The pain may simply be present as soreness on the outside of the hip. It can become worse after performing some activities and can spread to other areas of the body. The pain might be sharp, at first, but fade into an ache over time. 

How Trochanteric Bursitis is Diagnosed

Your doctor will likely begin with a physical exam to diagnose trochanteric bursitis. They will speak to you about how long you’ve dealt with the hip pain and where it hurts. 

It’s also common for doctors to use X-rays and MRI scans to help diagnose trochanteric bursitis. The X-rays may help rule out other issues but won’t show bursitis itself. An MRI scan is used when your hip isn’t responding to treatment.

Sometimes, doctors use ultrasound tests to help diagnose the condition. It’s also possible to receive an injection in your bursa with an anesthetic. If the pain is relieved, it means you likely suffer from trochanteric bursitis.

Trochanteric Bursitis Treatment

Nonsurgical treatments for trochanteric bursitis are available and include:

• Ice – Applying ice every four hours for 20 to 40 minutes is a common treatment to reduce pain and swelling.
• Applying Heat – Another option for helping to reduce inflammation and managing the pain is applying a heating pad to the hip for 20-30 minutes every four hours. Patients often rotate heat and ice throughout the day.
• Anti-inflammatory medication – Over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen can be used to treat the pain. Your doctor may prescribe a pain reliever, as well, to help reduce swelling and pain. 
• Rest – Of course, resting your hip will help give it time to heal. 
• Physical Therapy – The right exercise can help to strengthen the muscles and improve the flexibility of the hip. A physical therapist can show you corrective exercise and preventative exercise to help strengthen the correct areas around the hip.
• Cortisone shots – Your doctor may use a Cortisone shot to help reduce swelling and pain in the hip.
• Low-energy shock wave therapy – A treatment using acoustic shock waves may be used to help treat trochanteric bursitis. This type of treatment has shown improvement in many patients when used over several months.
• Weight Loss – If the patient is overweight or obese, a doctor may recommend a specific diet to lose weight. By losing weight you will take the pressure off the hip and give it a chance to heal. 

Surgery for Trochanteric Bursitis

While surgery is a rare treatment for trochanteric bursitis, it can be used to remove the bursa, if it’s beyond repair. The procedure is usually outpatient surgery and won’t require a stay in the hospital. It’s performed arthroscopically with a camera and tiny instruments. 

Most patients will heal over time with noninvasive treatments. Surgery can correct the issue if noninvasive treatment methods don’t work to heal your hip.

Schedule an Appointment Today!

With years of experience treating injuries including trochanteric bursitis, Dr. Andrachuk provides the right options for your hip pain. If you’ve been suffering from pain in the outer area of your hip, it’s time to seek a medical professional to help. Dr. Andrachuk provides conservative treatment options, along with arthroscopic and minimally invasive surgical options, when necessary. Contact us today and schedule your in-person or telemedicine appointment!