What is Trochanteric Bursitis?

Trochanteric bursitis is the most common bursitis of the hip.

Trochanteric bursitis is inflammation of the bursa (a small, cushioning sac located where tendons pass over areas of bone around the joints), which lies over the prominent bone on the side of your hip (femur).

The superficial trochanteric bursa is located over the greater trochanter. This is the most commonly inflamed bursa. A deep trochanteric bursa lies deeper and can become inflamed in more severe cases.

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What is a Bursitis?

What are Trochanteric Bursitis Symptoms?

One or more of the following symptoms may be experienced:

Pain and swelling occurring over the side of the hip
Referred pain that travels down the outside thigh and may continue down to the knee
Pain when sleeping on your side; especially the affected hip
Pain upon getting up from a deep chair or after prolonged sitting (eg. in a car)
Pain when climbing stairs
Pain in sitting with the legs crossed
Increased pain when walking, cycling or standing for long periods of time

What Causes Trochanteric Bursitis?

The trochanteric bursa may be inflamed by a group of muscles or tendons rubbing over the bursa and causing friction against the thigh bone. This injury can occur traumatically from a fall or a sport-related impact contusion.

It can also be a case of gradual onset via a repetitive trauma to the bursa from such activities as running (with poor muscles control or technique), walking into fatigue, or cycling, especially when the bicycle seat is too high.

It is also a secondary injury associated with chronic conditions such as:

Scoliosis - curvature of the spine
Unequal leg length
Weak hip muscles
Osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease) of the hips or lower back
Calcium deposition in the gluteal tendons that run over the bursa
Rheumatoid arthritis.

How is Trochanteric Bursitis Diagnosed?

Your physiotherapist will provide you with an assessment of your medical history and a physical examination of your hip, pelvis and back. A hallmark sign is if you feel tenderness over the bursa or greater trochanter (hip bone) when pressure is applied.

Diagnosis can also be confirmed by medical imaging techniques that include ultrasound scan & MRI.