Understanding Trochanteric Bursitis

How to say it

troh-kan-TAYR-ihk

Causes of trochanteric bursitis

Causes may include:

• Overuse of the hip during running or other sports, dance, or work.

• Falling on or irritating the side of the hip.

This condition may occur along with other problems, such as osteoarthritis of the hip or knee, or low back problems. In rare cases, it may occur after hip surgery.

Symptoms of trochanteric bursitis

Symptoms may include:

• Pain or aching on the side of the hip. It's often felt as a sharp, intense pain. The pain may travel down the leg.

• Swelling, tenderness, or warmth on the side of the hip at the bony bump at the top of the thigh.

Treatment for trochanteric bursitis

These may include:

• Resting the hip. This allows the bursa to heal.

• Prescription or over-the-counter pain medicines. These help reduce inflammation, swelling, and pain. NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are the most common medicines used. Medicines may be prescribed or bought over the counter. They may be given as pills. Or they may be put on the skin as a gel, cream, or patch.

• Cold packs and heat packs. These help reduce pain and swelling.

• Stretching and strengthening exercises. These improve flexibility and strength around the hip.

• Physical therapy. This includes exercises or other treatments.

• Injections of medicine into the bursa. This may help reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms. The medicine is usually a corticosteroid. This is a strong anti-inflammatory medicine.

Possible complications

If you don’t give your hip time to heal, the problem may not go away, may return, or may get worse. Rest and treat your hip as directed.

When to get medical advice

Contact your health care provider right away if you have:

• A fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as directed by your provider.

• Chills.

• Redness, swelling, or warmth that gets worse.

• Symptoms that don’t get better with prescribed medicines or that get worse.

• New symptoms.