Tronchanteric Bursitis

Bursas are small sacs of fluid that cushion and lubricate the areas between tendons and bones. Bursitis is inflammation of these sacs.

The trochanteric bursa is located around the gluteal muscles that attach to the greater trochanter at the upper end of the thigh. Trochanteric bursitis is more common in middle-aged or elderly women but can occur in anyone.

Trochanteric bursitis can be caused by an acute injury but more often than not has no obvious cause. It is however more common with repetitive activities such as jogging or bicycling.

Symptoms

Symptoms of trochanteric bursitis may include:

• Hip pain, and sometimes buttock pain that spreads down the outside of the thigh to the knee area. Pain may be worse during activities such as walking, running, or sitting cross-legged. The pain may be aggravated by lying on that side and may wake you up.
• There may be tenderness when you press on the affected area.
• Limping.
• Mild swelling.

Treatment

Treatment for bursitis includes:

• Rest.
• Ice packs to the affected area.
• Simple analgesics or anti-inflammatory medication.
• Weight loss.
• Physiotherapy is an important part of treatment involving stretching exercises as well as strengthening exercises for muscles around the hip.
• Avoiding prolonged standing or other activities that causes pain.
• Using a cane, to reduce pressure on the hip.

If the above treatment does not relieve the pain, medical treatment such as local anaesthetic or steroid injections into the bursa may help.

Occasionally several injections are required. Surgery is a last resort but may occasionally be recommended.

Injection Technique