Summary about Disease
Trochanteric bursitis is a common condition that causes pain in the hip. It occurs when the trochanteric bursa, a fluid-filled sac that cushions the greater trochanter (the bony prominence on the side of the hip), becomes inflamed. This inflammation leads to pain on the outside of the hip, which can radiate down the thigh. While the term "bursitis" implies inflammation of the bursa, imaging studies often reveal that the pain is more commonly associated with injury or irritation of the gluteal tendons, or tears in the gluteus medius and minimus tendons.
Symptoms
Pain on the outside of the hip, often radiating down the outer thigh.
Pain that is worse with activity, such as walking, running, climbing stairs, or prolonged standing.
Pain that may be worse at night, especially when lying on the affected side.
Tenderness to the touch over the greater trochanter.
Stiffness in the hip.
Aching.
Pain may also be felt in the groin area
Causes
Repetitive motions: Running, cycling, or climbing stairs.
Overuse: Overdoing activities can irritate the bursa.
Injury: A fall or direct blow to the hip.
Poor posture: Can put extra stress on the hip.
Muscle imbalances: Weak hip abductor muscles.
Spine problems: Scoliosis or arthritis of the lower spine.
Leg length inequality: Can alter gait and increase stress on the hip.
Rheumatoid arthritis.
Bone spurs
Previous surgery around the hip or implants.
Medicine Used
Pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve) can help reduce pain and inflammation. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) can help with pain but doesn't reduce inflammation.
Corticosteroid injections: Injections of corticosteroids into the bursa can provide significant pain relief. However, these are usually used sparingly due to potential side effects.
Topical anti-inflammatories: Creams or gels containing NSAIDs can be applied directly to the affected area.
Muscle relaxants: If muscle spasms are contributing to the pain.
Is Communicable
No, trochanteric bursitis is not a communicable disease. It is not caused by an infection and cannot be spread from person to person.
Precautions
Avoid activities that aggravate the pain: Modify or avoid activities that worsen your symptoms.
Use proper form: When exercising or performing activities, use correct technique to minimize stress on the hip.
Maintain a healthy weight: Excess weight can put extra strain on the hip joint.
Stretch regularly: Stretching the hip muscles can help improve flexibility and reduce tension.
Strengthen hip muscles: Strengthening the hip abductor muscles can help stabilize the hip joint.
Use assistive devices: If necessary, use a cane or crutches to reduce weight-bearing on the affected hip.
Avoid prolonged sitting or standing: Take breaks to move around and stretch.
Proper footwear: Wear supportive shoes with good arch support.
How long does an outbreak last?
The duration of trochanteric bursitis can vary greatly. With proper treatment, symptoms may improve within a few weeks. However, if left untreated or if aggravating activities are continued, it can become a chronic condition lasting for months or even years. The specific timeline depends on the severity of the condition, the individual's response to treatment, and their adherence to precautions and rehabilitation exercises.
How is it diagnosed?
Physical examination: A doctor will examine your hip, assess your range of motion, and palpate the greater trochanter to check for tenderness.
Medical history: The doctor will ask about your symptoms, activities, and any previous injuries.
Imaging tests:
X-rays: May be used to rule out other conditions, such as arthritis or fractures.
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Provides detailed images of the soft tissues and can help identify bursitis, tendonitis, or tears in the hip muscles.
Ultrasound: Can also be used to visualize the bursa and surrounding tissues.
Bursa aspiration: In rare cases, fluid may be withdrawn from the bursa and analyzed to rule out infection.
Timeline of Symptoms
The timeline of symptoms can vary, but it often follows this pattern:
Early stages: Mild pain on the outside of the hip, often noticed after activity.
Progressive stages: Pain gradually increases with activity, and may start to be present even at rest. Pain at night, especially when lying on the affected side, becomes more common.
Chronic stages: Persistent pain that interferes with daily activities. Stiffness and limited range of motion in the hip. Pain may radiate down the thigh. Flare-ups of intense pain may occur.
Important Considerations
Differential diagnosis: It's important to rule out other conditions that can cause hip pain, such as hip arthritis, labral tears, or referred pain from the lower back.
Physical therapy: A physical therapist can teach you exercises to strengthen your hip muscles and improve your range of motion.
Long-term management: Preventing recurrence involves avoiding activities that aggravate the condition, maintaining a healthy weight, and continuing to perform stretching and strengthening exercises.
Surgical intervention: Surgery is rarely needed for trochanteric bursitis. It may be considered in cases where conservative treatment has failed and there is a clear underlying cause, such as a tendon tear or bone spur.