Trochanteric bursitis is an inflammation of bursae -- small fluid-filled pads that occupy the space between your hip bone and tendons and muscles near the hip joint. The bursae help cushion the joint, but inflammation can occur during repetitive physical activity. For mild cases of trochanteric bursitis, rest is generally the best remedy, but chronic or severe cases of the condition can warrant physical therapy.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of trochanteric bursitis include pain around the hip, as well as the thigh and buttocks. Lying down or pressing in on the affected side can also cause discomfort. Physical activity, especially activity with repetitive movements, such as running or climbing stairs, can make the pain more severe. Pain can also occur from less intense physical activity, such as standing up or getting in and out of a car.
Treatment Objectives
Naturally, the goal of treating trochanteric bursitis is to reduce and ultimately eliminate the pain it causes. Furthermore, the treatment should allow you to again perform the physical activities that potentially inflamed or caused the condition without the recurrence of pain. The treatment you undergo should not keep you from engaging in sport or general physical activity after completing the treatment process.
Physical Therapy
If your trochanteric bursitis condition is severe and warrants physical therapy, specific treatments are available. Your doctor may recommend exercises that test and develop your range of motion. A number of hip-strengthening exercises can help alleviate bursitis inflammation.
Exercise No. 1
Lie on your side on an exercise mat or bench with your affected side up. Keep a bend in your legs and your back straight. Place the hand of the affected side on the pelvis. Engage your core to stabilize your midsection and begin by lifting your knee up as far as you can while keeping your feet together. There should be no movement around the pelvis area. Slowly lower your knee back to the starting position. Perform 15 to 25 repetitions two to three times a day.
Exercise No. 2
Lie on your side on an exercise mat or bench with your affected side up. Extend your top leg straight out, while keeping your lower leg bent underneath it. The extended leg should be in line with your back. Place the hand of the affected side on your pelvis. Engage your abdominal muscles, and lift your leg straight up, then turn the foot slightly outward. Your leg should lift vertically only and not more forward or backward. Slowly lower the leg back to its starting position, and repeat 10 to 12 times. Perform the exercise twice a day.
Exercise No. 3
Stand with feet shoulder-width apart perpendicular against a wall with your affected side. Curl the leg closest to the wall backward. Push against the wall with your thigh, creating a small gap between the wall and your hip and pelvis. Your upper body should also be off the wall. Keep a slight bend in your supporting leg. Hold the position for five to 10 seconds, and repeat two to three times.
