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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.

Person holding their hip in discomfort, possibly experiencing pain from trochanteric bursitis.

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.
Doctor examining a patient's hip area, with highlighted inflammation, possibly indicating trochanteric bursitis.

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.

 

Older woman experiencing pain in her hip area, with a highlighted red spot indicating possible trochanteric bursitis.

Common Questions We Hear From Patients

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.

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

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.

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

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.

GTPS symptoms last from 6 weeks to 6 months, depending on treatment. Chronic cases improve with combined therapy and biomechanical correction.

Greater trochanteric pain syndrome resolves in most patients with proper treatment. Long-term relief requires load management, tendon rehabilitation, and inflammation control.

GTPS alters gait mechanics and increases lateral knee stress. This compensation may trigger referred pain in the iliotibial band or outer knee structures.

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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DISCLAIMER

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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