Trochanteric bursitis or hip bursitis is a condition most often found in middle aged or elderly people. It is however; not uncommon in athletes and football or soccer players where extended periods of running are required.
Bursae are found throughout the body, particularly in the shoulder, knee, ankle and hip joints. They are small sacs of fluid, which cushion and lubricate the areas between the bones, muscles and tendons of the joints. When these bursae or sacs become irritated or inflamed, more fluid accumulates in the bursa, and will result in bursitis. Inflammation of the trochanteric bursa is a common cause of hip pain.
If trochanteric bursitis is suspected, your Doctor will conduct a physical examination of your hip joints. A medical history will also be taken to highlight any significant injury or past surgery to the hip joints.
If required, your Doctor will arrange for a x-ray or ultrasound of your hip. These help in the diagnosis by revealing any bony spurs, calcium deposits or other problems, which may be contributing to the bursitis.
Very occasionally a MRI scan (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) may be needed.
Following the examination and the results of any x-rays or scans, your Doctor will discuss with you the most likely cause of your bursitis. They may prescribe:
Once the symptoms are controlled a physiotherapist can help with hip and back strengthening/stretching exercises for you. These are important as often bursitis is related to ‘wear and tear’ of the adjacent gluteal tendons – strengthening helps the tendons and thus the bursitis.
If conservative steps do not bring relief then your Doctor may arrange a corticosteroid/local anaesthetic injection into the affected area. This injection can be repeated a few months later.
Surgery is considered a last resort in the treatment of trochanteric bursitis, and may also involve the worn/torn gluteal tendons.
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