Greater Trochanteric Bursitis: Pain on the Outside of the Hip
Greater trochanteric bursitis is a common cause of tenderness and aching over the outside of the hip. It is often most noticeable when lying directly on the painful side.
What Causes Trochanteric Bursitis?
A small cushioning sac called a bursa lies over the greater trochanter, the prominent bone on the outside of the hip. The tendons and tissues on the outside of the hip move across this area during walking and activity.
Why It Hurts
Repeated friction and pressure over the outer hip can irritate the bursa and nearby tendons. This may produce tenderness directly over the bone and aching down the outside of the thigh.
The broader term greater trochanteric pain syndrome is sometimes used because the bursa, gluteal tendons and surrounding tissues may all contribute to the pain.
Common Symptoms
Treatment Is Usually Nonsurgical
Most cases improve without surgery. Treatment is directed toward reducing inflammation, strengthening the muscles around the hip and decreasing pressure over the painful area.
Activity Modification
Avoiding prolonged pressure on the painful side and temporarily modifying aggravating activity may allow the irritation to settle.
Physical Therapy
Therapy may improve gluteal strength, hip mechanics and flexibility while reducing stress over the outside of the hip.
Cortisone Injection
A cortisone injection around the inflamed bursa can provide substantial relief when symptoms persist despite basic treatment.
Persistent Pain on the Outside of Your Hip?
We can determine whether the pain is caused by bursitis, a gluteal tendon problem, arthritis or another condition and recommend an appropriate treatment plan.
This information is educational and does not replace an individual medical evaluation.