TROCHANTERIC BURSITIS

The trochanteric bursa is a sac on the outer upper part of the hip/thigh. It is a fluid filled sac which is designed to protect muscles and tendons as they cross the greater trochanter (a bony prominence on the top end of the femur). Trochanteric bursitis is an inflammation of this bursa. The result is pain as the tendons move over the bone.

What causes hip bursitis?
Whilst there are a number of reasons for this, it is often due to minor trauma or overuse. Different types of patients can experience this type of bursitis:

• Athletes - commonly seen in runners or athletes who participate in running-oriented sports (e.g. soccer, football, etc.).
• Injuries - sometimes associated with patients who fall onto their upper thigh, causing a so-called traumatic bursitis.
• Post-surgical - Patients who have had surgery, such as hip fracture surgery, or a hip replacement, may complain of pain over the outside of the hip. These symptoms are often due to irritation to the bursa.

What can be done about it?
The main aim is to reduce the inflammation. As with any treatment program, always talk with your doctor before initiating any specific treatments. The general treatment consists of:

• Rest - this usually means a period of time not participating in sports or activities that aggravate your symptoms. As a general rule of thumb, any activity that causes hip bursitis pain should be avoided - this only contributes to inflammation of the bursa.
• Anti-inflammatory Medications - medications (e.g. Ibuprofen.) will help control the inflammation. These medications may also be helpful in reducing the pain also.
• Ice the Injury - icing the area often helps to alleviate the symptoms. Especially after exercise, ice can control inflammation, and stimulate blood flow to the injured area.
• Manual Therapy - working with a therapist such as an osteopath or a physiotherapist is a useful treatment adjunct for patients with hip bursitis. Not only can the therapist help develop a proper stretching and strengthening exercise program. Most patients find relief with stretching of the muscles and tendons that are found over the outside of the hip, specifically the iliotibial band.
• Aspiration/Drainage of the Bursa - where there is a significant amount of fluid that has developed within the bursa, a needle can be placed into the bursa to remove the fluid. This is rarely needed in cases of hip bursitis, but when it is done it may be combined with a cortisone injection (see below).
• Cortisone Injection - a cortisone injection may also be given into the bursa in patients with pain. The cortisone injection is helpful because it can be both diagnostic and therapeutic. In cases where hip bursitis may be one of several diagnoses being considered, cortisone can be given to see if the shot helps to alleviate symptoms.
• Surgery - surgery for this bursitis is rarely needed.

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Content by Jane Morris - connect with me on Google+

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