GREATER TROCHANTERIC BURSITIS
Greater trochanteric Bursitis is an inflammation of the bursa, a sac filled with synovial fluid found in the major joints of the body. The bursa is located between bones and tendons, providing cushion around the joint, which prevents friction between the bones. When inflamed, it makes the joint movement very painful and difficult.
The hip is one of the major joints in the body and each leg has two bursas.
One bursa is known as the greater trochanteric bursa, located on the outside part of the hip, and the other is closer to the groin and is known as the iliopsoas bursa.
The iliopsoas bursa is less affected by inflammation than the trochanteric bursa.
CAUSES
Inflammation of the greater trochanteric bursa can be caused by:
- Injury to the hip
- Recreational, or work activities that overuse the hip joint
- Stress of the soft tissues as a result of a poorly positioned joint or bone
- Incorrect body posture due to scoliosis, arthritis or other spine problems
- Diseases or conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, thyroid problems or gout
- Hip bone spurs
SYMPTOMS
The greater trochanteric bursa usually manifests with pain around the hip and groin area. The pain increases if the person lays on the affected side or is standing up after sitting for a long time.
TREATMENT
If the nature of the pain is as a result of an injury, it is best to not aggravate the pain and reduce the inflammation with:
- Rest
- Ice
- Painkillers
If the cause of greater trochanteric bursitis is an infection, a healthcare professional has to be seen to decide which is the best treatment option.
Treatment options available are:
- Corticosteroids
- Antibiotics
- Surgery
