Trochanteric Bursitis

Irritation of the greater trochanter bursae in the hips can make walking, sleeping on your side, or climbing stairs uncomfortable. The highly skilled team at Austin Sports Medicine, serving the community in and around Central and South Austin, Bee Cave, Cedar Park, and Pflugerville, Texas, has extensive experience treating trochanteric bursitis. Call your nearest Austin Sports Medicine office today or request a trochanteric bursitis evaluation by completing the online booking form.

What is trochanteric bursitis?

Trochanteric bursitis causes pain and aching on the outside of the hip. It happens when the bursa — a small, fluid-filled sac that cushions the bone near the top of your thigh (the greater trochanter) — becomes irritated and inflamed.

The most common symptom of trochanteric bursitis is pain on the outside of the hip, especially when lying on that side, walking, or climbing stairs. The pain can feel sharp at first and become more of a dull ache over time. Swelling or tenderness over the bony point of the hip may also be present.

What causes trochanteric bursitis?

Trochanteric bursitis can develop from:

• Overuse
• Sports injuries
• Falls
• Poor posture
• Differences in leg length

Trochanteric bursitis is common in runners and people who do a lot of repetitive hip movements. Sometimes, it’s linked to other conditions like arthritis or spine problems. Adults over 40 (especially women) tend to be more at risk.

How is trochanteric bursitis diagnosed?

At Austin Sports Medicine, the team uses your medical history and a physical exam to assess hip pain. They also employ advanced imaging technology that’s available onsite to make an accurate diagnosis.

Open MRI provides detailed images of soft tissues, including the bursa and nearby tendons, while Quantum© Digital Imaging System X-ray rules out bone problems, such as arthritis or fractures.

Ultrasound helps the team view the inflamed bursa in real-time and guides precise treatment injections.

What treatments are available for trochanteric bursitis?

The Austin Sports Medicine team begins trochanteric bursitis treatment with nonsurgical options. Physical therapy helps stretch and strengthen the hip muscles, reduce friction, and improve mobility. Orthobiologics, like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, promote healing naturally.

Anti-inflammatory medications, activity modification, and ice therapy can also help manage pain. If you require additional pain relief, image-guided steroid injections are an effective option.

Would I need surgery for trochanteric bursitis?

Nonsurgical treatments are successful for most people. However, if your symptoms persist despite conservative care, surgical options include removing the inflamed bursa or correcting underlying tendon or bone issues through a minimally invasive arthroscopic procedure.

People who stick with their rehab programs typically recover fully from trochanteric bursitis and return to their normal activities without pain. Early diagnosis and a customized treatment plan can help prevent long-term issues and keep you moving comfortably.

Call Austin Sports Medicine to arrange a hip pain evaluation or schedule a consultation online today.