Trochanteric bursitis can be seen in all people and not just athletes. Females, especially athletic ones, often get it, and it is unfortunately not uncommon in female runners. Trochanteric bursitis manifests as pain on the outside (lateral side) of the hip. It is painful at the bony prominence on the outside of the hip where the iliotibial band runs over the greater trochanter.
Signs and symptoms of trochanteric bursitis
Patients with trochanteric bursitis notice pain that comes on over time rather than with a specific event. A runner will typically notice a pain that significantly limits her ability to run due to this pain, and occasionally it will progress to limit daily activities. The pain is usually specifically located at this bony prominence.
In the office, a sports medicine physician will usually be able to diagnose this problem by physical exam alone. The patient will have noticeable tenderness to palpation along the bursa just outside of the greater trochanter. Usually hip range of motion, strength of the muscles around the hips, and signs of other problems are unremarkable. X-rays are usually normal, and more advanced imaging is not usually ordered.
Treatment of trochanteric bursitis
Treatment is almost always nonsurgical. Rest or avoiding activities can be helpful, but occasionally symptoms persist for long periods of time. Stretching exercises and physical therapy with modalities can be helpful. Adjusting athletic activities to limit the amount of pain in this area can also be helpful, although some activities such as running can be difficult if symptoms persist. Occasionally injection of cortisone into the trochanteric bursa can be helpful. Very rarely surgery to remove the bursa can be attempted, but even surgery does not always relieve symptoms. If symptoms are not improving, looking for another source for the athlete’s pain is warranted.
Recommended Products and Resources
Click here to go to Dr. David Geier’s Amazon Influencer store!
Due to a large number of questions I have received over the years asking about products for health, injuries, performance, and other areas of sports, exercise, work and life, I have created an Amazon Influencer page. While this information and these products are not intended to treat any specific injury or illness you have, they are products I use personally, have used or have tried, or I have recommended to others. THE SITE MAY OFFER HEALTH, FITNESS, NUTRITIONAL AND OTHER SUCH INFORMATION, BUT SUCH INFORMATION IS DESIGNED FOR EDUCATIONAL AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. THE CONTENT DOES NOT AND IS NOT INTENDED TO CONVEY MEDICAL ADVICE AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PRACTICE OF MEDICINE. YOU SHOULD NOT RELY ON THIS INFORMATION AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR, NOR DOES IT REPLACE, PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE, DIAGNOSIS, OR TREATMENT. THE SITE IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY ACTIONS OR INACTION ON A USER’S PART BASED ON THE INFORMATION THAT IS PRESENTED ON THE SITE. Please note that as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
