Trochanteric Bursitis

Trochanteric bursitis typically causes specific symptoms that help our specialists identify the condition:

• Hip pain on the outside of your hip that may worsen with activity
• Tenderness when pressing on the outer hip area
• Pain when lying on the affected side, especially at night
• Stiffness and difficulty with hip movement
• Pain that radiates down the outer thigh
• Increased discomfort when walking up or down stairs
• Limping or altered gait to avoid pain

The pain often starts gradually and may worsen over time if left untreated. Some patients notice the symptoms after increasing physical activity or following a fall or direct impact to the hip.

Several factors can contribute to the development of trochanteric bursitis:

Common causes include: Repetitive activities that stress the hip, direct trauma from falls or impacts, prolonged pressure from lying on one side, and muscle imbalances around the hip. Overuse injuries from activities like running, cycling, or climbing stairs frequently can also lead to inflammation.

Risk factors that increase your likelihood of developing this condition include being female (women are more commonly affected), age over 40, having leg length differences, previous hip surgery or injury, and conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. Tight hip muscles and poor flexibility can also contribute to increased friction and subsequent bursa inflammation.

Understanding these risk factors helps our team develop personalized prevention strategies and treatment plans tailored to your specific situation.

At Synergy Health Partners, our orthopedic specialists use a comprehensive approach to accurately diagnose trochanteric bursitis. Your evaluation begins with a detailed discussion of your symptoms, activity level, and medical history.

During your physical examination, your doctor will assess your hip mobility, check for areas of tenderness, and perform specific tests to reproduce your symptoms. The palpation test over the greater trochanter typically causes discomfort in patients with this condition.

Imaging studies may be recommended to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions. X-rays can help identify any bone abnormalities, while MRI or ultrasound can clearly show inflammation of the bursa and surrounding soft tissues. These advanced imaging capabilities are available right here at our facilities in Southeast Michigan.

Our specialists may also evaluate your gait and biomechanics to identify any contributing factors that could be addressed through treatment.

While some hip discomfort may resolve with rest, certain symptoms warrant prompt medical attention from our orthopedic specialists:

Schedule an appointment if you experience: Hip pain that persists for more than a few days, pain that interferes with sleep or daily activities, increasing pain despite rest and over-the-counter medications, or difficulty walking normally due to hip discomfort.

Seek immediate care if you have: Severe, sudden onset hip pain, signs of infection such as fever or warmth around the hip, inability to bear weight on the affected leg, or significant swelling in the hip area.

Early intervention often leads to better outcomes and can prevent the condition from becoming chronic. Our team at Synergy Health Partners can typically see urgent cases quickly, and we offer same-day appointments when medically necessary.