What is Trochanteric Bursitis?
Bursitis is an inflammation of the small sacs of fluid (bursae) that cushion and lubricate the areas between tendons and bones. The trochanteric bursa is a large sac separating the greater trochanter of the hip and the muscles and tendons of the thighs and buttock. Bursitis can affect many of the bursae around the hip, but trochanteric bursitis is the most common. Trochanteric bursitis occurs more often in middle-aged or elderly women than in men or younger people.
It can be caused by an acute injury, prolonged pressure on a bursa, or activities that require repeated twisting or rapid joint movement (such as jogging or bicycling long distances). It can also occur with disc disease of the low back or arthritis of the hip or at the site of a previous hip surgery.
Symptoms
Symptoms of trochanteric bursitis may include hip pain, tenderness at the affected area, limping, swelling and redness and warmth from inflammation or infection.
Treatment
Many of the treatment options for bursitis can be done at home, including rest, ice packs to the affected area, medicines for pain and swelling, weight loss, exercises to strengthen the hip muscles and to stretching the hip and lower back.
You should avoid prolonged standing and stop the activity that is causing your pain. You may consider using a cane or a lift in your shoe. If these options don’t work, you may need lidocaine or steroid injections. Surgery is rarely needed.