03/03/2026
Trochanteric Bursitis:
Bursae are small, fluid-filled sacs that are located throughout the body, including around the shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, and heel. They are filled with a small amount of fluid, and act as cushions to help reduce friction, as they are positioned between bones and soft tissues.
Bursitis is inflammation of the bursa. There are two major bursae in the hip that typically become inflamed and irritated. One bursa covers the bony point of the hip bone, which is called the Greater Trochanter. Inflammation of this bursa is called trochanteric bursitis.
Hip bursitis most often involves the bursa that covers the greater trochanter of the femur, although the iliopsoas bursa can also become inflamed.
Symptoms:
The main symptom of trochanteric bursitis is hip pain. The pain usually moves outwards towards the outside of the thigh. Early on, the pain is often described as sharp and intense. Later on, the pain may become more achey and cover a larger area of the hip.
Often the pain is worse at night, when lying on the affected hip, and when standing up after being seated for a period of time. It may get worse with prolonged walking, climbing up stairs or squatting.
Hip bursitis can affect anybody, but is more commonly found in women and middle-aged or elderly people.
Risk factors:
• Repetitive stress (overuse) injury
• Hip injury
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Spine disease
• Leg-length discrepancy
• Previous surgeries
• Bone spurs or calcium deposits
Treatment:
Many people with hip bursitis can experience relief with simple lifestyle changes, including:
• Avoiding the activities that worsen symptoms
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Physical therapy
Prevention:
Although hip bursitis can’t always be prevented, there are steps you can take to stop the symptoms worsening:
• Avoid repetitive activities that involve the hips
• Lose weight if you need to
• Ensure shoes are properly fitted
• Keep good strength and flexibility of the leg and hip muscles
