Diagnosis and Treatment For Trochanteric Bursitis
Getting a diagnosis for Trochanteric bursitis is important because there are many treatment options available. If you are experiencing pain on the outside (lateral) aspect of the hip, you may be suffering from this condition. This article will discuss the diagnosis and treatments for this painful condition.
Pain on the outside (lateral aspect) of the hip
Symptoms of trochanteric bursitis include pain on the outside of the hip. The condition typically occurs in middle-aged or older adults. In addition to the pain, you may also experience swelling in the affected leg.
Trochanteric bursitis is caused by an inflammation of the bursa, which is the fluid-filled sac located on the outer edge of the hip. This sac prevents the bones from rubbing against the soft tissues. A tight iliotibial band, a bone spur, or calcium deposits in the bursa can cause inflammation.
If you are experiencing lateral hip pain, you should visit your doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor can diagnose the cause and recommend a treatment plan. They can also treat any pain that does not go away or spreads. The goals of treatment are to reduce pain and disability.
When you first start experiencing pain, the pain is usually sharp. Afterwards, the pain can fade into a dull ache. Eventually, the pain may become a nagging ache that can make certain activities uncomfortable.
Depending on the severity of your pain, your doctor may recommend injections into your bursa. Corticosteroid injections can provide temporary relief. However, long-term use of corticosteroid injections can damage the surrounding tissues. Alternatively, your doctor can prescribe an anti-inflammatory medication that will control your pain.
When you are in the middle of a physical activity, you should try to rest your hips as much as possible. A sudden increase in activity can worsen the inflammation of the bursa. You should be able to gradually build your activity level back up to a normal level. If you can’t do this, contact a physical therapist for advice. A physical therapist will work with you to develop a treatment plan that will help you feel better.
If your doctor recommends an injection, you can have one in your physician’s office. If the pain returns, you may need a second injection. You can get a corticosteroid injection in your groin or buttock, or you can have it done in your hip.
Your doctor will want to check your health history to determine if you have a risk of developing trochanteric bursitis. Various factors can increase your risk, including autoimmune diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, and spine disease.
Diagnosis
Typical symptoms of trochanteric bursitis include pain in the outer hip area. The pain is usually sharp and may occur during weight-bearing activities or when lying on the affected side. The pain may also be present at night.
During an examination, your doctor will perform a physical evaluation of your hips and legs. This includes palpating your hips and checking for trigger points. They will also look at your range of motion. The doctor will focus on the areas of your hips that are inflamed.
The doctor will also examine your posture to see if you are causing the pain. A misaligned joint or spinal condition could be the cause of the pain. Your doctor might recommend splinting to reduce pressure on the affected area. A corticosteroid injection into the bursa can also relieve the pain.
Another way to diagnose trochanteric bursitis is by performing an MRI. This can help to rule out other conditions that might cause hip pain. Surgical treatment is also an option. Surgical interventions can be performed through small incisions.
If you have a tight iliotibial band, you are more likely to develop trochanteric bursitis. This band can rub against the bursa, causing inflammation. Alternatively, you can do a stretch of the iliotibial band to relieve the pain. You can also wear rubber-soled shoes to reduce the pressure on the bursa.
Women are more prone to trochanteric bursitis than men. In fact, this is one of the most common causes of hip pain among women. This is because women have an increased risk of osteoporosis.
Trochanteric bursitis is caused by an inflammation of the bursa. The bursa is a fluid-filled sac located on the outside of the hip. The bursa acts as a cushion between the bone and soft tissues, preventing the bones from rubbing against each other.
The goal of conservative treatment is to reduce inflammation and pain. Surgery is recommended in cases of severe bursitis, or if the patient has not responded to antibiotics.
Noninvasive treatments can include exercise, ice, and orthotics. Patients should also avoid repetitive activities, lose weight, and wear properly fitted shoe inserts.
Treatment options
Whether it is due to an infection, injury, or overuse of muscles or tendons, treatment options for trochanteric bursitis vary. The goal of any treatment is to minimize pain and inflammation and to help the patient return to activities as soon as possible.
The most effective treatment for trochanteric bursitis is rest. The body can heal itself, and the symptoms will usually improve within six to ten weeks. Patients should avoid activities that may exacerbate their symptoms, such as running or jumping. They should also reduce the load on the affected joint, and increase activity slowly.
Physical therapy is another type of treatment for trochanteric bursitis. It will focus on strengthening the hip joint and the muscles that surround it. It can also be helpful for improving flexibility and mobility.
Patients can also improve their symptoms by using a foam roller. They can also use an ice pack to help reduce swelling and discomfort. The ice may cause blisters, but it will expedite the healing process.
The use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is also useful in treating trochanteric bursitis. They will block the inflammatory cascade, decreasing pain and inflammation. However, NSAIDs should be avoided in patients with gastrointestinal bleeding, blood clotting disorders, or those taking blood thinners.
Corticosteroid injections are another treatment for trochanteric bursitis. These can be a good option if the patient does not respond to conservative treatment, or if surgery is not an option. Injections are usually given with lidocaine to bring immediate pain relief. They can be combined with trigger point injections or platelet-rich plasma.
If the trochanteric bursitis is due to an infection, the patient may be prescribed antibiotics. If the pain persists, the doctor will perform a physical examination and may take an x-ray. If the cause of the pain is unknown, an MRI will help to rule out other causes of discomfort.
If the pain is not relieved by these methods, the doctor may prescribe surgical treatment. There are two surgical approaches: a sharp removal of the inflamed bursa, or a minimally invasive procedure that uses an arthroscope.
PRP injections
Currently, Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injections are used in the treatment of bursitis. This is a form of therapy that involves collecting the blood of a patient, spinning it in a centrifuge, and injecting it into the affected area. This stimulates healing and helps to repair ligaments, muscles, bones, and cartilage.
PRP injections are generally safe and effective. However, it is important for patients to confirm their PRP treatment plan before receiving treatment. Several research studies have found that PRP is effective in reducing inflammation, improving function, and decreasing pain. Typically, the improvement occurs after many months.
In a recent study, researchers assessed the efficacy of PRP in treating chronic hip bursitis. They found that PRP was more effective than steroid injections in treating the condition. The authors of the study concluded that PRP is a viable alternative to surgery for the treatment of this condition.
The researchers also conducted a systematic review of published articles about PRP injections. The review included five articles. The authors studied three randomised controlled trials and four conference abstracts. They also analyzed two case series. The clinical outcomes of the groups were compared using the Harris Hip Score and Visual Analogue Scale.
The study showed that there was a significant reduction in pain and disability in the group that received PRP injections. The results of the study indicate that PRP is a safe, effective and viable nonsurgical treatment for patients with chronic hip bursitis. Nevertheless, further studies are needed to determine the effectiveness of this procedure.
The Brazilian publication compared short-term and long-term outcomes of patients who were treated with either corticosteroid or PRP for trochanteric bursitis. The study found that corticosteroid treatment provided excellent short-term symptom relief, but it rarely produced long-term improvements. The PRP injections were found to produce a significant improvement in symptoms within 3 months.
The authors of this study suggest that PRP should be a viable treatment option for patients with TRPS. They also noted that there were no adverse effects associated with the treatment. Despite the lack of significant differences in the clinical results of the two groups, more high-quality studies are needed.
More info on Trochanteric Bursitis: Symptoms, Causes, Treatments (clevelandclinic.org)