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Trochanteric (Hip) Bursitis

Anatomy:

A bursa is a fluid filled sac that protects a soft tissue structure from a bone. The trochanteric (hip) bursa is located directly on the outside of the hip. Inflammation and swelling of this bursa causes pain.

Symptoms:

• Pain or ache in the outside of the hip that worsens with movement or pressure.
• Pain when laying on the outside of your hip.
• Pain with walking, running or climbing stairs.

Causes:

• Overuse or too much repetitive motion, combined with weakened hip outer hip muscles.
• Improper shoes that alter gait.
• Fall or trauma to the outside of the hip.
• Poor posture, which decreases core and glute activation.
• A tight IT Band or hip musculature.
• Sleeping on your side on a mattress that is too hard.
• Previous surgeries or inflammatory conditions such as RA.

Treatment:

• Determine the initial cause.
• Ice your hip and call your doctor to see if NSAIDS would be appropriate.
• Cut back on all repetitive motion.
• Get your shoes fitted by a professional.
• If the pain is persistent have a health care professional evaluate your hip muscle structure balance and leg length.

Further Treatment/ Prevention:

• Keep your hips loose by doing these Outer Hip Stretches.
• Build strength in the outer hips by doing: Bridges,  Hamstring Lifts,  and Standing Hip Abductions

Importance of getting a diagnosis:

There are several other causes of hip pain that may present like bursitis: i.e. referral pain from the low back or tendonitis of the gluteus medius or minimus muscle.

If all conservative treatments fail, a cortisone shot or surgery may be indicated.