PSI
PSI
PSI
PSI
PSI
Ottawa - 2571 Carling Ave., Suite 200, Ottawa
Kanata – 99 Kakulu Rd., Suite 106, Kanata
Nepean - 1 Centrepointe Dr., Suite 310, Nepean
Sport Medicine Centre West - 1000 Palladium Dr., Kanata
Women’s Health – 1 Centrepointe Dr., Suite 310, Nepean
www.psiottawa.com
613-596-0167
613-591-8832
613-723-6161
613-599-0299
613-723-6161
Trochanteric bursitis
What is Trochanteric bursitis?
A bursa is a fluid-filled sac which provides a
slippery surface between adjacent tissues to
allow them to slide over each other without
friction. A problem occurs when the bursa itself
becomes inflamed. When this happens it loses it’s
gliding capabilities and becomes more irritated
when it is moved.
Trochanteric bursitis refers to inflammation of
the bursa which is situated at the outside of the
hip, the greater trochanter, and between the
overlying iliotibial band(ITB) and gluteal muscles.
Trochanteric bursitis is the most common type
of hip pain.
What causes Trochanteric bursitis?
The trochanteric bursa may become inflamed for
different reasons. Most cases appear gradually
with no obvious injury or cause.
Trochanteric bursitis can occur after having hip
replacement surgery. This may be due to a
combination of changes in the way the hip works,
the way it is aligned or the way scar tissue has
formed from the incision.
A fall on the outside of the hip can cause direct
trauma, not only making the bursa inflamed, but
sometimes causing bleeding into the bursa and
forming a hematoma.
Activities that cause overuse of the area such as
running upstairs, climbing or standing for long
periods of time can lead to irritation of the bursa.
Incorrect posture or poor boney alignment can
lead to stress on the surrounding tissues and to
inflammation of the bursa.
Rarely there can be a bone spur or calcium
deposit in the tendons that attach to the
trochanter
Usual symptoms include:
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Pain on the lateral aspect of the hip over the greater
trochanter. It may even be warm to touch.
Pain may radiate down the side of the thigh to the
knee.
Pain when bending the hip up or taking it out to the
side.
Pain aggravated by activities such as walking,
running, stair climbing or crossing your legs.
What can physiotherapy do to help?
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We assess your condition and find the cause of the irritation.
We use pain modalities such as ultrasound, interferential and acupuncture to relieve
pain and inflammation and to promote healing.
We assess for any muscle imbalances and give appropriate corrective exercises.
We advise you on how to manage your pain and activity modification.
We may suggest rest from activities that are causing the pain to prevent further friction
of the bursa.
Sport Medicine Physician
If physiotherapy does not relieve the bursitis
your sports medicine physician may choose to
prescribe anti-inflammatory medication for you.
If the bursitis is severe and not responding to
treatment another option is an injection of
cortico-steroids into the bursa itself. This acts as
a strong anti-inflammatory and may help to
reduce the swelling and pain.
Sometimes it is hard to tell whether the pain is
coming from the trochanteric bursitis or the hip.
If this is the case, the doctor may order x-rays to
get more information.
This information sheet is prepared as a service for our clients. It is not intended to be a complete guide to the subject. This information should NOT be used in place of a visit with your health care
provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read on this sheet.
Revised July 2016