What is Trochanteric Bursitis?

Trochanteric bursitis is a common condition that causes pain and tenderness on the outer side of the hip. It occurs when the trochanteric bursa — a small, fluid-filled sac that cushions the outside of the hip bone — becomes irritated or inflamed. This inflammation can lead to aching, sharp, or burning pain, especially during walking, climbing stairs, or lying on the affected side.

While anyone can develop trochanteric bursitis, it is more common in middle-aged or older adults and tends to affect women more often than men.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of trochanteric bursitis include:

  • Pain on the outside of the hip and thigh
  • Tenderness over the greater trochanter (the bony point of the hip)
  • Increased pain when lying on the affected side
  • Discomfort when climbing stairs, rising from a chair, or after prolonged standing
  • A feeling of warmth or mild swelling over the painful area

Symptoms may start gradually or appear suddenly after injury or repetitive strain.

Causes

Trochanteric bursitis can develop from a range of causes, including:

  • Repetitive movements (such as running, cycling, or stair climbing)
  • Hip injuries (falls or direct impacts)
  • Differences in leg length
  • Weakness or tightness in the hip muscles
  • Underlying conditions such as arthritis or scoliosis
  • Previous hip surgery

In some cases, no obvious cause can be identified.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis involves:

  • Clinical assessment: A careful history and physical examination to locate tenderness over the hip.
  • Imaging: Ultrasound or MRI scans may be used to exclude other conditions such as tendon tears, hip arthritis, or stress fractures.

At PainClinicNI.com, we focus on accurate diagnosis to guide your personalised treatment plan.

Treatment

Most cases of trochanteric bursitis can be successfully managed with non-surgical treatments. We offer the following targeted treatments:

  • Trochanteric (bursa) injection: A combination of corticosteroid and local anaesthetic was injected around the bursa for rapid pain relief.
  • Pulsed Radiofrequency (RF) treatment: A minimally invasive technique using a mild electric current to calm irritated nerves supplying the trochanteric region.

For persistent or severe cases, additional therapies such as shockwave treatment or advanced procedures may be considered.

What to Expect

With early and appropriate treatment, most people experience significant improvement within a few weeks. In more chronic cases, a longer, structured rehabilitation programme may be needed. Preventing recurrence typically involves maintaining hip strength, flexibility, and modifying certain activities.
At PainClinicNI.com, our team is dedicated to helping you achieve lasting relief and restore your quality of life.