What is trochanteric bursitis?

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Last updated: February 18, 2025View editorial policy

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From the Guidelines

Trochanteric bursitis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the bursa located near the greater trochanter of the femur, resulting in pain and tenderness in the lateral thigh.

Causes and Symptoms

The condition is often caused by repetitive friction or trauma to the bursa, leading to inflammation and pain. Symptoms may include pain and tenderness in the lateral thigh, swelling, and limited mobility of the hip joint 1.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of trochanteric bursitis can be made using imaging techniques such as ultrasound (US) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which can detect bursal collections, capsular and bursal thickening, and synovitis 1.

Treatment

Treatment for trochanteric bursitis typically involves conservative management, including:

  • Rest, ice, and physical therapy to reduce pain and inflammation
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen 400-800 mg every 8 hours or naproxen 250-500 mg every 12 hours to manage pain and inflammation
  • Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation in some cases 1 It is essential to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Key Points

  • Trochanteric bursitis is a common cause of lateral thigh pain due to inflammation
  • Diagnosis can be made using US or MRI
  • Treatment typically involves conservative management with rest, ice, physical therapy, and NSAIDs, with corticosteroid injections in some cases 1

From the Research

Definition and Causes

  • There is no direct information available about trochanteric bursitis in the provided studies 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.

Related Conditions

  • The studies discuss conditions such as meralgia paresthetica 2, 4, 5, 6 and iliotibial band syndrome 3, but do not provide information about trochanteric bursitis.

Diagnosis and Treatment

  • Since there is no relevant information about trochanteric bursitis, diagnosis and treatment options cannot be discussed based on the provided studies 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.

References

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Research

Iliotibial band syndrome: an examination of the evidence behind a number of treatment options.

Scandinavian journal of medicine & science in sports, 2010

Research

Meralgia paresthetica: what an anesthesiologist needs to know.

Regional anesthesia and pain medicine, 2011

Research

Meralgia paresthetica: a review of the literature.

International journal of sports physical therapy, 2013

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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