Trochanteric Bursitis

Trochanteric Bursitis (also known as hip bursitis), is a condition characterised by painful inflammation of the bursa (cushioning sac between bone and muscle) located just superficial to the greater trochanter of the femur (the bone that protrudes on the side of the thigh).
Symptoms include:
- Lateral (outside) hip pain and swelling.
- Referred pain that travels down the lateral aspect of the 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 (e.g. in a car).
- Pain when climbing stairs.
- Pain when sitting with the legs crossed.
- Increased pain when walking, cycling or standing for long periods of time.
Causes:
- Poor biomechanics of the foot i.e. over pronation (rolling ankles inward).
- Poorly aligned pelvis.
- Limb length discrepancy.
- Weak hip muscles.
- Weak gluteal (buttock) muscles.
- Tight Iliotibial band.
- Arthritis.
- Scoliosis.
- Lateral hip surgery.
At Mint Foot Care Podiatry, we diagnose this condition by taking a comprehensive history, performing a biomechanical assessment and video gait analysis. The podiatrist may prescribe diagnostic imaging such as X-Rays, ultrasound and an MRI.
Based on the findings a combination of treatment options may be prescribed including:
- Rest and Ice – keeping off the foot and reducing activity prevents further injury and encourages healing. Ice can reduce inflammation, swelling and symptoms.
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication – help reduce the pain and inflammation such as ibuprofen or aspirin.
- Proper fitting and supportive footwear recommendations.
- Custom made orthotic therapy – orthotics may be prescribed to address any biomechanical factors such as over pronation.
- Heel lifts.
- Stretching and strengthening exercises.
- Ultrasound therapy.