Trochanteric Bursitis

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About Trochanteric Bursitis

Trochanteric diagram

Trochanteric Bursitis is characterized by painful inflammation of the bursa, a fluid-filled sac located just over the greater trochanter, a bony projection of the femur (hip). Like tennis elbow, this type of inflammation is due to irritation and is not due to infection.

 

Stretching the iliotibial band.
Stretching the iliotibial band (ITB) in the standing position.

Symptoms:

Patients typically complain of hip pain, although the hip joint itself is not involved. The pain may radiate down the side of the thigh. This sac occasionally will develop inflammation and result in pain with walking.

 

Treatment: 

Most patients with trochanteric bursitis respond very well to a combination of epidural corticosteroid injection, physical therapy, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSIADs), and activity restriction. Some patients may require a repeat steroid injection.

Supine position iliotibial band stretch.
Stretching the iliotibial band (ITB) in the supine position.

Trigger point steroid injections into the area of the bursa are also used. Stretching Exercises:

 

For more information about spine related conditions and treatments, visit the UCLA Spine Center.