a.k.a. greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS) or trochanteric bursitis
Hip Bursitis or Trochanteric Bursitis
Image Medscape / Dr. Michael Marion
Most common in women, trochanteric bursitis is the most common type of bursitis around the hip. The trochanteric bursa is a fluid filled sac that separates the gluteal minimus and medius tendons where they insert onto the greater trochanter of the hip. Excess forces on the bursa may result from incorrect gait patterns, iliotibial band syndrome, pronation of the foot, internal rotation of the knee or weakness of the gluteal muscles.
The bursa can be painful enough that it is uncomfortable to weight bear, but a more prominent feature of bursitis is discomfort when lying on the affected side at night.
Locating the cause of the bursitis is essential in finding a proper solution. Conservative treatment should be the first trialled treatment in conjunction with anti-inflammatories to ease bursa inflammation. Conservative treatment includes:
- Taping
- Gluteal strengthening
- Foot position correction
- Stretching and deep tissue release of surrounding muscles
- Ice
- Gait correction
