Get Trochanteric Bursitis Treatment in Doncaster
By Andrew Bruce
What is Trochanteric Bursitis?
Trochanteric Bursitis (TB) is also known as Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS). It is characterised by inflammation of the bursa near the Greater Trochanter of the Femur (the bony prominence at the outer aspect of the hip)
What is a bursa?
A bursa is a small, fluid-filled sac that acts a cushion between bones, muscles, and tendons, reducing friction and allowing smooth movement.
Symptoms
The main symptom is pain at the outer aspect of the hip / thigh, which often radiates down towards, and just below, the knee.
The pain can often be exacerbated by activities including, walking, running, climbing stairs, and lying on the affected side. It is common, when rising from a chair, to get pain which requires a few seconds of standing, before being able to walk normally.
Who is affected?
It can occur in people of all ages but is more common in middle-aged and older people. It can sometimes occur in people who have had surgery such as hip replacement.
Common Causes
Repetitive stress: Overuse or repetitive movements of the hip, such as running, standing for excessive periods, can lead to irritation and inflammation of the bursa.
Poor Posture: Any activity that involves poor posture, or altered hip biomechanics can place extra stress on the area and cause inflammation.
Trauma: A fall onto, or a direct blow to, the area can lead to inflammation within the bursa.
Muscular Imbalance or Weakness: Weakness and tightness within the muscle groups around the hip are a leading cause of GTPS.
Underlying Inflammatory Conditions: In some cases, conditions such as Rheumatoid Arthritis can contribute to the development of GTPS.
How is it diagnosed?
It is principally diagnosed on physical examination, but imaging, such as Ultrasound, X-Ray and MRI may be helpful, particularly to rule out other causes of pain.
How is it treated?
Treatment almost always starts with conservative measures such as:
Rest: Avoidance of activities that aggravate the pain may help reduce the inflammation and symptoms
Ice: Applying Ice packs to the affected area can help reduce the inflammation and pain
Pain Relief: Over-the-counter anti-Inflammatory tablets, such as ibuprofen, have been shown to be helpful in reducing pain and inflammation. Massaging Anti-Inflammatory Gel into the area may also be helpful.
Massage: Gentle massage around the affected area is helpful in some people.
Physiotherapy: Targeted exercises, over 6 – 12 weeks, are designed to strengthen the muscles around the hip and are the mainstay of treatment. Graduated stretches may also help to relieve the pressure over the bursa.
Use of Walking aids: The use of a walking stick or elbow crutches may be helpful in the early stages, to help offload the affected hip.
Steroid Injection: If the measures above fail to improve symptoms, injection of local anaesthetic and steroid (cortisone) has been shown to be helpful. These can either be “blind” or with the assistance of ultrasound guidance.
Others: If conservative measures fail to improve or resolve symptoms other more interventional options may be considered. These may include Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injections, Extra Corporeal Shockwave Therapy, and in rare cases surgery to remove the bursa.
Summary
GTPS is a common condition that is amenable to treatment. The majority of patients with the condition, once diagnosed, can be fairly easily treated with good results. Get Trochanteric Bursitis Treatment in Doncaster today from Coriel Orthopaedic Group.Book Treatment