Microsoft word - trochanteric bursitis.docx

8/2  Ramsay  Place,  Albury,  NSW,  2640   PH:  02  6041  4879      Fax:  02  6041  5783   Trochanteric bursitis is inflammation of the bursa (fluid-filled sac near a joint) at the outside (lateral) point of the hip known as the greater trochanter. When this bursa becomes irritated or inflamed, it causes pain in the hip. This is a common cause of hip pain. Patients with trochanteric bursitis will return normal hip Xrays. Trochanteric bursitis typically causes the following symptoms: Pain on the outside of the hip and thigh or in the buttock. Pain when you press in on the outside of the hip. Pain that gets worse during activities such as getting up from a deep chair or getting out of a car. Trochanteric bursitis can result from one or more of the following events: Injury to the point of the hip. This can include falling onto the hip, bumping the hip
into an object, or lying on one side of the body for an extended period.
Play or work activities that cause overuse or injury to the joint areas. Such
activities might include running up stairs, climbing, or standing for long periods of
time.
Incorrect posture. This condition can be caused by scoliosis, arthritis of the lumbar
(lower) spine, and other spine problems.
Stress on the soft tissues as a result of an abnormal or poorly positioned joint or
bone (such as leg length differences or arthritis in a joint).
Other diseases or conditions. These may include rheumatoid arthritis, gout,
psoriasis, thyroid disease or an unusual drug reaction. In rare cases, bursitis can
result from infection.
Previous surgery around the hip or prosthetic implants in the hip.
Hip bone spurs or calcium deposits in the tendons that attach to the trochanter.
Bursitis is more common in women and in middle-aged or elderly people. Beyond the situations mentioned above, in many cases, the cause of trochanteric bursitis is unknown. How is trochanteric bursitis treated?
Treatment goals include reducing pain and inflammation, preserving mobility, and preventing disability and recurrence. Treatment recommendations may include a combination of rest, splints, heat, and cold application. More advanced treatment options include: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen or naproxen 8/2  Ramsay  Place,  Albury,  NSW,  2640   PH:  02  6041  4879      Fax:  02  6041  5783   Refer your patients for an ultra-sound guided corticosteroid injection. Injections work quickly to decrease the inflammation and pain. Patient should also be referred to a physio for physical therapy that includes range of motion exercises and splinting. This can be very beneficial. Surgery is only recommended when other treatments are not effective – but itself does not have a very high rate of success in terms of relieving the pain. How do you prevent trochanteric bursitis?
Because most cases of bursitis are caused by overuse, the best treatment is prevention. It is important to avoid or modify the activities that cause the problem. Underlying conditions such as leg length differences, improper posture, or poor technique in sports or work must be corrected. Apply these basic rules when performing activities: Take it slow at first and gradually build up your activity level. Use limited force and limited repetitions. Avoid repetitive activities that put stress on the hips. Get a properly fitting shoe insert for leg length differences. Maintain strength and flexibility of the hip muscles. Use a walking cane or crutches for a week or more when needed.

Source: http://alburyorthopaedics.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Trochanteric-Bursitis1.pdf