Trochanteric Bursitis
Anatomy
Bursitis is caused by inflammation of a bursa, a small jelly-like sac that
usually contains a small amount of fluid. Bursae are located throughout the
body, most importantly around the shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, and heel.
They act as cushions between bones and the overlying soft tissues, and
help reduce friction between the gliding muscles and the bone. Bursitis is
more common in women and in middle-aged or elderly people
The bony point of the hip is called the greater trochanter. It is an attachment
point for muscles that move the hip joint. The trochanter has a fairly large
bursa overlying it that occasionally becomes irritated, resulting in hip bursitis
(trochanteric bursitis). The subgluteus maximus bursa is most often the
affected bursa. Hip bursitis is rarely a primary condition but is caused by a
compensation for muscle weakness or biomechanical abnormality.
Causes/Mechanism of Injury:
• Injury to the point of the hip. This can include falling onto the hip,
bumping the hip into an object, or lying on one side of the body for an
extended period.
• Play or work activities that cause overuse or injury to the joint areas. Such activities might
include running up stairs, climbing, or standing for long periods of time.
• Incorrect posture. This condition can be caused by scoliosis, arthritis of the lumbar (lower)
spine, and other spine problems.
• Stress on the soft tissues as a result of an abnormal or poorly positioned joint or bone (such as
leg length differences or arthritis in a joint).
• Other diseases or conditions. These may include rheumatoid arthritis, gout, psoriasis, or
thyroid disease. In rare cases, bursitis can result from infection.
• Previous surgery around the hip or prosthetic implants in the hip.
• Hip bone spurs or calcium deposits in the tendons that attach to the trochanter.
Symptoms: The main symptom of hip bursitis is pain at the point of the hip. The pain usually extends
to the outside of the thigh area. In the early stages, the pain is usually described as sharp and intense.
Later, it may feel more achy and diffuse.
• Pain with sleeping on involved side.
• Pain at side of hip made worse with walking (especially uphill) or stair climbing.
• Pain after sitting on hard surfaces for a long period of time.
Treatment/Management:
• Prevention
• Avoid behaviors and activities that make the inflammation of the bursa worse.
• Avoid repetitive activities that put stress on the hips.
• Reduce weight.
• Get a properly fitting shoe insert for leg-length differences.
• Maintain strength and flexibility of the hip muscles.
Nonsurgical Treatment
Norman
2475 Boardwalk
Norman, OK 73069
PH (405) 447-1991
Newcastle
2340 N.W. 32nd
Newcastle, OK 73065
PH (405) 392-3322
www.TherapyInMotion.net
Purcell
2132 N. Green Ave
Purcell, OK 73080
PH (405) 527-1500
Trochanteric Bursitis
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The initial treatment for hip bursitis does not involve surgery. Many people with hip bursitis can
experience relief with simple lifestyle changes, including:
Modification of activities—avoiding the activities that worsen symptoms
Use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, naproxen, piroxicam,
celecoxib, and others, to control inflammation and pain
Use of a walking cane or crutches for a week or more when needed
Injection of a corticosteroid along with a local anesthetic may also be helpful in relieving
symptoms of hip bursitis.
Perform stretching and strengthening exercises of pelvic stabilizers, gluteal musculature, core
and trunk.
Surgical Treatment
• Surgery is rarely needed for hip bursitis. Removal of the bursa does not hurt the hip, and the hip
can actually function normally without it.
• A newer technique that is gaining popularity is arthroscopic removal of the bursa. In this
technique, the bursa is removed through a small incision over the hip.
Exercises/post op protocol:
Exercises for trochanteric bursitis focus on stretching the illiotibial band and rotators of the hip.
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