What is Greater Trochanteric Bursitis?
Greater trochanteric bursitis describes inflammation of the bursa located on the greater trochanter of the femur, which is the bony prominence on the outside of the hip. The bursa is a small, fluid-filled sac that helps reduce friction between tendons, muscles, and bones around joints.
Common symptoms of greater trochanteric bursitis include pain and tenderness on the outside of the hip, especially when lying on the affected side, walking, or climbing stairs. The pain may also radiate down the thigh.
Treatment for greater trochanteric bursitis often involves a combination of conservative measures aimed at reducing inflammation and relieving pain. These may include:
Rest: Avoiding activities that exacerbate symptoms, such as lying on the sore side, prolonged standing, walking, or running.
Physiotherapy: Specific exercises can help strengthen the muscles around the hip joint, improve flexibility, and correct any biomechanical issues contributing to bursitis
Ice therapy: Applying ice packs to the affected area for 15-20 minutes several times a day to help reduce inflammation and pain.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Anti-inflammatory medications can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation, under the guidance of your doctor.
The gluteus medius muscle often plays a role in development of and treatment of greater trochanteric bursitis, as the gluteus medius is one of the muscles that attach near the greater trochanter. It plays a crucial role in stabilising the pelvis during walking, running, and other lower body movements. Weakness or dysfunction of the gluteus medius can lead to increased stress on the greater trochanteric bursa, potentially contributing to the development of bursitis.
Physiotherapy exercises targeting the gluteus medius are often prescribed as part of the treatment plan for greater trochanteric bursitis. Strengthening exercises for the gluteus medius can help improve hip stability and strength, reducing strain on the bursa in previously aggravating activities such as standing, walking and running, and promote healing.
