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Trochanteric Bursitis of the Hip for Cary, Garner, Raleigh, Chapel Hill and Triangle Patients

Small fluid filled sacs that protect and lubricate the areas between tendons and bones at the insertion site are called bursae. Inflammation of this tissue is called bursitis. The trochanteric bursa is located at the outer aspect of the hip joint near the gluteal muscles attachment to the greater trochanter at the outer aspect of the hip joint. Trochanteric bursitis of the hip is more commonly diagnosed in middle-aged or elderly women but can occur in any population.

Trochanteric bursitis of the hip normally presents without any traumatic injury or obvious cause. It can, in lesser instances, be caused by traumatic injury however more commonly associated with repetitive activities such as jogging or bicycling.

Classic Symptoms of Trochanteric Bursitis of The Hip

Patients with trochanteric bursitis of the hip will often report the following symptoms:

• Outer hip pain, and at times buttock pain that may refer down the outside of the thigh to the knee
• Pain may worsen during impact activities such as walking, running, and even sitting cross-legged
• Hip stiffness
• The pain may be aggravated by lying on the affected side and may be more noticeable with prolonged sitting
• Tenderness is usually reported along the outer hip bone when palpated
• Noticeable limping in acute circumstances
• Mild warmth and swelling

Treatment Approach to Hip Joint Pain

As with most other inflammatory conditions, trochanteric bursitis of the hip requires a reasonable and standard treatment protocol for hip pain relief would include:

Ice packs up to 20-30 minutes per session

Activity modification, decreasing impact activities, avoiding prolonged standing or sitting

Anti-inflammatory medication.

Weight loss if indicated.

Use of an ambulation device if a limp is present

Physical therapy plays an integral role in achieving hip pain relief involving stretching exercises as well as strengthening exercises for muscles around the hip. Local modalities such as ultrasound, iontophoresis or cold laser may also be beneficial for hip pain relief in less acute conditions.

In the event this treatment does not provide adequate relief from hip joint pain, your physician may recommend injections into the bursa. The injection would consist of a combined anesthetic and anti-inflammatory medicine to help with hip pain relief and resolve the inflammation. Occasionally several injections are required. Surgery is a last resort in chronic, limiting instances, but may occasionally be recommended.

What Are The Lasting Effects Of A Hip Joint Pain Injection?

The effects of an injection usually take 24-48 hours to work. Initially, over the first day or two, there can actually be a slight increase in hip pain relief as the corticosteroid starts to work. The effects can be permanent or may last anywhere from a week to 6 months. At times, injections must be repeated if symptoms of trochanteric bursitis of the hip return (up to three a year).

Who Should Not Receive A Hip Pain Relief Injection?

• Patients that are allergic to steroids or local anesthetics
• Suspected infection
• Patients with a suppressed immune system

Are There Side Effects to Injections for Trochanteric
Bursitis Of The Hip?

• Symptoms may increase for 1-2 days
• Low risk of infection
• Skin discoloration
• Fat Necrosis
• Rise in sugar levels in diabetics- monitor levels carefully for two days

For more information on how the hip pain relief specialists at Cary Orthopaedics can help you, contact us today at 919-467-4992 for an appointment!

Cary Orthopaedics serves patients from Raleigh, Garner, Cary, Apex, Holly Springs, Fuquay-Varina, Clayton, Chapel Hill, and Pittsboro, NC