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Trochanteric Bursitis
Trochanteric bursitis is a condition that affects the outer part of the hip, causing pain and discomfort. At RAD Clinics, we offer advanced treatment options, including ultrasound-guided trochanteric bursitis injections, to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.

Causes of Trochanteric Bursitis
Trochanteric bursitis can develop due to various reasons, including:
- Overuse injury: Repetitive movements, especially from activities such as running or cycling.
- Hip injury: Trauma or a direct fall on the hip.
- Poor posture: Abnormalities in posture or gait can strain the bursa.
- Leg length discrepancy: A difference in leg length puts additional stress on the hip bursa.
- Previous hip surgery: Surgical procedures like hip replacements may contribute to bursitis.
- Underlying conditions: Conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or spine disorders may lead to bursitis.
Symptoms of Trochanteric Bursitis
Common symptoms include:
- Pain on the outer side of the hip, especially when lying down on that side.
- Pain that worsens with activity, walking, or climbing stairs.
- Swelling or tenderness around the hip area.
- Limited range of motion in the hip joint.
- Difficulty sleeping on the affected side.
Anatomy of the Hip
The hip is a ball-and-socket joint, with the trochanter being the bony prominence on the upper thigh bone (femur). Surrounding the trochanter is a fluid-filled sac known as the bursa, which reduces friction between tendons and bones. When this bursa becomes inflamed, it leads to trochanteric bursitis.
Diagnosis of Trochanteric Bursitis
At RAD Clinics, our experienced clinicians will carry out a thorough examination to diagnose trochanteric bursitis. This may include:
- Physical Examination: A detailed assessment of your hip, looking for tenderness, swelling, and limited range of motion.
- Imaging Tests: Ultrasound or MRI scans may be performed to rule out other conditions and confirm bursitis.
- Clinical History: Evaluating your medical history and any previous injuries or surgeries.

Cortisone Injections for Trochanteric Bursitis
At RAD Clinics, we offer ultrasound-guided trochanteric bursitis injections as a highly effective treatment option for trochanteric bursitis. Trochanter bursa injections are a common method for delivering targeted pain relief and inflammation reduction.
Benefits of Ultrasound-Guided Cortisone Injections
- Accurate Delivery: With ultrasound guidance, the injection is delivered precisely into the inflamed bursa, ensuring maximum effectiveness.
- Reduced Pain: Steroid injections help reduce inflammation and relieve pain associated with trochanteric bursitis.
- Faster Recovery: This targeted approach helps improve mobility and enhances the recovery process.
- Minimally Invasive: The procedure is minimally invasive and can be performed as an outpatient treatment, allowing patients to return to normal activities quickly.
- Reduced Risk: Using ultrasound guidance reduces the risk of complications or damage to surrounding tissues.
What to Expect During the Procedure
- Preparation: You will be positioned comfortably, and the skin over the hip will be cleaned and numbed with a local anaesthetic.
- Ultrasound Guidance: The clinician will use ultrasound to locate the exact area of inflammation.
- Injection: A small needle is inserted into the bursa, and the steroid medication is administered.
- Duration: The entire procedure typically takes 15 to 30 minutes.
- Post-Procedure: You may experience some temporary discomfort after the injection, but this should subside within a few days. Most patients can return to their normal activities shortly after the procedure.
When to Seek Treatment
If you are experiencing persistent hip pain, difficulty walking, or find that the pain interferes with your daily activities, it may be time to seek medical attention. At RAD Clinics, our specialists are skilled in diagnosing and treating trochanteric bursitis. Early treatment can help prevent further complications and improve your quality of life.

Common Questions We Hear From Patients
What is trochanteric pain syndrome?
Trochanteric pain syndrome refers to lateral hip pain caused by soft tissue irritation near the greater trochanter. It involves bursal inflammation and gluteal tendon overload, often triggered by repetitive movement or prolonged pressure.
What is greater trochanteric pain syndrome?
Greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS) describes pain over the outer hip from gluteal tendon pathology or trochanteric bursitis. It affects walking, side-lying sleep, and stairs, especially in women aged 40–60.
What is the treatment for greater trochanteric pain syndrome?
GTPS treatment reduces tendon load, inflammation, and pain. Common treatments include:
Image-guided corticosteroid or shockwave therapy
Targeted physiotherapy and exercise
Activity modification
Weight management for reduced joint load
What causes greater trochanteric pain syndrome?
Greater trochanteric pain syndrome results from repetitive strain, poor biomechanics, or tendon degeneration. Gluteal tendons or the trochanteric bursa become irritated due to overuse, hip instability, or altered gait patterns.
How to treat greater trochanteric bursitis?
Treatments for greater trochanteric bursitis reduce inflammation and improve gluteal strength. Effective options include:
Ultrasound-guided steroid injection
Physiotherapy and stretching
Shockwave therapy
Load management strategies
How to sleep with greater trochanteric pain syndrome?
Sleep on the unaffected side with a pillow between the knees to reduce hip compression. Avoid sleeping directly on the painful hip to prevent tendon and bursa irritation.
How long does greater trochanteric pain syndrome last?
GTPS symptoms last from 6 weeks to 6 months, depending on treatment. Chronic cases improve with combined therapy and biomechanical correction.
Does greater trochanteric pain syndrome go away?
Greater trochanteric pain syndrome resolves in most patients with proper treatment. Long-term relief requires load management, tendon rehabilitation, and inflammation control.
Can greater trochanteric pain syndrome cause knee pain?
GTPS alters gait mechanics and increases lateral knee stress. This compensation may trigger referred pain in the iliotibial band or outer knee structures.
Can greater trochanteric pain syndrome be cured?
GTPS resolves in 90% of cases with conservative treatment. Persistent symptoms respond well to combined therapies such as injections, physiotherapy, and shockwave therapy.
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We do not accept insurance coverage. If you wish to reimburse your fees, then please kindly check with your insurance provider prior to booking as we cannot be held responsible for any non-payments.
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