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Dr. Daniel C. Eby

Orthopedic Surgery & Sports Medicine

Trochanteric Bursitis

Does a sharp pain in your hip wake you up at night? Do you walk or run often?

Trochanteric bursitis affects around 1 out of 50 patients each year. The disorder involves a fluid-filled structure called a bursa. The bursa’s job is to cushion a tendon to prevent damage from motion. When the bursa becomes inflamed, scarred or otherwise injured, you will likely experience a sharp pain to the outside of your hip. 

Causes and Risk Factors

Overuse, women, low back pain, smoking, iliotibial band tenderness, and obesity can put you at risk for trochanteric bursitis.

Symptoms

  • Sharp pain in the outside of the hip
  • Waking at night when sleeping on the affected hip

Diagnosis

Trochanteric bursitis can be diagnosed in some cases without imaging. Although ultrasound can be used to view the bursa and perform an injection.

Treatments and Recommended Imaging

You may find significant relief with home treatments. Try a course of common over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen. Also, try ice and heat to calm down the inflammation and pain.

If symptoms persist, schedule an appointment with our office or walk-in to be seen. We can try prescription anti-inflammatories, a steroid injection, and discuss specific stretches to help relieve symptoms.

REFERENCES

McMahon, Patrick J., and Harry B. Skinner. Current Diagnosis & Treatment in Orthopedics. 6th ed., McGraw-Hill Medical, 2021.
Jennifer, Rynders, and Sara D Hart. Orthopaedics for Physician Assistants. 1st ed., Elsevier – Health Science, 2013.