Painful inflammation of the trochanteric bursa is medically termed as Trochanteric Bursitis. A bursa is a fluid filled sac like structure between all major joints of the body. The trochanteric bursa functions by acting as a cushion and reducing friction caused by rubbing of bones, tendons, and muscles. If there is inflammation of the trochanteric bursa then any movement of the hip joint such as when ambulating or sitting will cause pain to an extent that the individual will find it difficult to carry out activities of daily living.
Trochanteric bursa is normally caused as a result of overuse and is seen in athletes involved with sprinting, running, and cycling which puts excessive pressure on the hip joints resulting in inflammation of the trochanteric bursa and causing pain. However, Trochanteric Bursitis is mostly seen in individuals above the age of 50 and is quite common in the elderly population. [1]
What Are The Treatment Options For Trochanteric Bursitis?
Coming to the treatment options, to begin with the physician will prescribe NSAIDs in the form of Tylenol or ibuprofen to calm down the pain and inflammation. In cases where an individual has been diagnosed with septic bursitis of the trochanteric bursa then a course of antibiotics will be prescribed.
The physician will also recommend use of ice for 15-20 minutes two to three times a day on the hip region to calm down the inflammation. The patient will be advised not to apply ice directly on the skin surface as it may lead to formation of blisters. Application of ice significantly expedites the healing process of Trochanteric Bursitis.
The patient will also be recommended to restrict activities that may aggravate the inflammation such as running, jogging, or cycling and maintain a good sitting posture. Complete bedrest is not advised as this leads to muscle weakness which may further complicate the picture.
Additionally, the patient may be sent to physical and occupational therapy for massage and other techniques to strengthen the hip muscles and decrease inflammation. In case if these measures are ineffective then a series of steroid injections will be recommended to decrease the inflammation.
Surgery is extremely rare in cases of Trochanteric Bursitis; however, if an individual has recurrent episodes of Trochanteric Bursitis then surgery may be an option to drain the infected bursa and calm down the inflammation and eventually treat Trochanteric Bursitis.[2]
It is essential to determine the cause of the Trochanteric Bursitis so as to prevent any future recurrences of this condition. If a cause is not identified and treated then it may lead to incomplete recovery from Trochanteric Bursitis.
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