But for many of us our hips are a source of pain. For an increasing number, this means eventual hip replacement surgery. But others have inflamed bursa in the hips, clinically known as trochanteric bursitis.
Dr. Trujillo helps patients calm the inflammation and the pain.
What is trochanteric bursitis?
We have bursa across our bodies. These fluid-filled sacs serve as cushions between bones and soft tissues such as muscles, tendons, and skin. In the hips, there are two major bursae, the greater trochanter on the outside of the hips and the iliopsoas on the inside. The trochanter is the more problematic bursa. When it becomes inflamed, you have trochanteric bursitis.
What causes trochanteric bursitis?
When any bursa becomes inflamed this is bursitis. The trochanteric bursa, as with all bursae, usually become inflamed due to overuse or due to injury. The main culprits behind this inflammation are regular walking, running, or cycling. Sometimes the iliotibial band can be involved. This is a long band of connective tissue that runs from the hip to the knee on the outside of the leg. If the iliotibial band is overly tight from repeated movements or hard activity, it can rub against the trochanteric bursa. This leads to inflammation and bursitis.
Trochanteric bursitis isn’t as common as bursitis in the shoulders or knees, but it still affects about 5 in 1000 adults.
Symptoms of trochanteric bursitis
With trochanteric bursitis the pain is on the outside of the hip. Pain often starts as sharper pain but may transition into chronic aching. If left untreated, the pain may start going down the upper leg. You can feel it when laying on that side and when getting up from a chair. If the pain lasts for over two weeks, it’s a good idea to get treatment.
Treating trochanteric bursitis
Dr. Trujillo starts with conservative treatments for his patients with this form of bursitis: ice, anti-inflammatory medications, rest, and physical therapy. From there, he may opt for corticosteroid injections and low-energy shockwave therapy with acoustic shock waves. Surgery is rarely necessary for trochanteric bursitis.
Do you have symptoms of trochanteric bursitis? Call us at Summit Healthcare Pain Clinic, (855) 768-4968, and have Dr. Trujillo help with the pain.
