Many conditions can cause chronic hip pain. Some are more serious then others and many conditions can have similar symptoms. The first step is having your hip pain diagnosed properly. Each different diagnosis calls for a different treatment plan. One condition that can cause hip pain is trochanteric bursitis. Understanding the signs and symptoms of this condition as well as treatment options available will help you manage your condition.
Identification
Your joints contain fluid filled sacs called bursa. Your bursa act as a cushion for the bones, ligaments and tendons as you move. However, these bursa can become prone to injury and inflammation; bursitis will sometimes develop. The trochanteric bursa is located on the outside and upper part of your thigh over the bone known as the greater trochanter.
Cause
If you participate in activities that use a repetitive motion, such as walking, running or biking, you may be at risk for developing trochanteric bursitis. It can also be the result of other conditions, such as arthritis, spinal problems, surgery or bone spurs. Injuries from sports or a fall can also be contributing factors.
Symptoms
If you have trochanteric bursitis, you may experience pain in the upper outside of your thigh. In some cases, it may radiate to the buttocks or down the thigh. There may be an area in this part of your thigh tender to the touch. Your pain may become worse with the above activities or when walking uphill or climbing stairs. Sometimes the pain may be sharp and intense and at other times it may be just an ache. Your hip may become stiff during periods of inactivity and the pain may be worse when you lie on the affected side.
Diagnosis
Your physician will need to do a complete physical exam, and you will need to tell her about your history of symptoms. It is important to know when your symptoms are at their worst and what makes you feel better. Let your doctor know how long you have had the symptoms and the types of activities you tend to do. Along with the physical exam, your health care provider may need to take X-rays or scans to see any physical changes in the hip joint.
Treatment
Your doctor may first try to treat your trochanteric bursitis with rest and ice. If the pain is interrupting your daily activities or hindering your ability to sleep, anti-inflammatory and pain medications may be prescribed. Steroid injections can also be used for more intense symptoms. Using a cane or crutch for a short period may help take pressure off the hip. You may need to participate in physical therapy and find other activities that allow this area to rest while it is healing. A gentle stretching program may help to alleviate your pain. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary.
Prevention/Solution
Since trochanteric bursitis is often due to repetitive motions and overuse, you need to incorporate a strength-training routine into your workout plans. Strengthening the muscles that surround the thigh will help to take pressure off of the joint. Stronger muscles will help you to avoid future injury. In addition, you will need to cross train by alternating days of walking, biking or running with activities such as swimming, that uses your muscles differently. Losing excess weight will take pressure off of your joints. Wearing the proper footwear and taking time to warm up before activities will also help.
