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Trochanteric Bursitis Treatment Pune
Get advanced trochanteric bursitis treatment in Pune with orthopedic specialists providing pain relief, physiotherapy, and inflammation management care.
Overview
Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS), commonly known as trochanteric bursitis, is one of the most frequent causes of hip pain affecting adults, particularly women over 40. If you’ve been experiencing persistent pain on the outer side of your hip that worsens when walking, climbing stairs, or lying on your side, you might be dealing with this condition.
Your hip joint is a complex structure that relies on small fluid-filled sacs called bursae to reduce friction between bones, muscles, and tendons. The trochanteric bursa sits over the greater trochanter – the bony prominence on the outer part of your thigh bone. When this bursa becomes inflamed or the surrounding tendons get irritated, it results in GTPS.
While trochanteric bursitis specifically refers to inflammation of the bursa, GTPS encompasses a broader range of issues including problems with the gluteus medius and gluteus minimus muscles, as well as the iliotibial (IT) band.
Symptoms
The hallmark symptom of GTPS is hip pain located on the outer side of the joint. This pain typically starts as a sharp sensation but may develop into a dull, persistent ache over time.
Common symptoms include:
- Localized tenderness directly over the greater trochanter (the bony bump on your hip’s outer side)
- Radiating pain that may extend down the outer thigh, sometimes reaching the knee
- Activity-related discomfort that worsens with:
- Climbing stairs
- Getting up from chairs
- Walking long distances
- Crossing your legs
- Nighttime pain when lying on the affected side
- Stiffness in the hip joint
- Snapping sensation as the IT band moves over the trochanter during movement
In rare cases, you might experience redness, swelling, or fever in the hip area.
Causes
GTPS typically develops when the trochanteric bursa or surrounding tendons become irritated or damaged. Understanding the underlying causes can help prevent recurrence.
Primary causes include:
- Repetitive strain and overuse – especially in athletes or individuals who engage in activities involving repetitive hip movements like running or cycling
- Direct trauma such as falls onto the hip or impact injuries
- Hip surgery complications following procedures like hip replacement or fracture repair
- Biomechanical issues including:
- Leg length discrepancies
- Spine problems like scoliosis
- Foot conditions that alter walking patterns
- Bone spurs or calcium deposits that irritate surrounding tissues
- Underlying medical conditions such as:
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Gout
- Thyroid disorders
- Diabetes
- Muscle tears in the gluteus medius or surrounding muscles
Risk Factors
While anyone can develop GTPS, certain factors increase your likelihood of experiencing this condition:
Demographic factors:
- Being female
- Age over 40 (peak incidence between 40-60 years)
Lifestyle factors:
- Athletic participation, especially in sports involving repetitive hip motion
- Occupations requiring prolonged standing or repetitive movements
- Being overweight or obese
- Smoking (which impairs tissue healing)
- Sedentary lifestyle with prolonged sitting or lying in one position
Medical factors:
- Previous hip surgeries
- Inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or gout
- Spine problems or postural abnormalities
- Thyroid disorders
Diagnosis
Diagnosing GTPS primarily involves a comprehensive clinical evaluation by your healthcare provider. The diagnostic process typically includes:
Physical examination: Your doctor will assess your symptoms, pain location, and movement patterns. They’ll perform specific tests including palpation of the greater trochanter area and range-of-motion assessments to identify pain triggers.
Imaging studies: While X-rays may not show trochanteric bursitis directly, they help rule out other conditions like fractures or arthritis. Ultrasound or MRI may be used for unclear cases or when initial treatments aren’t effective.
Diagnostic injection: In some cases, your doctor may inject a local anesthetic into the trochanteric bursa. Significant pain relief following this injection strongly suggests trochanteric bursitis as the source of your hip pain.
Treatment
The majority of GTPS cases respond excellently to conservative treatment, with success rates as high as 90%. Treatment typically involves a multi-faceted approach:
Conservative treatments:
- Rest and activity modification – avoiding activities that worsen your symptoms while maintaining appropriate movement
- Ice therapy – applying ice packs for 15-20 minutes every 6-8 hours to reduce inflammation
- Anti-inflammatory medications – over-the-counter options like ibuprofen or naproxen can help manage pain and swelling
- Assistive devices – using walking aids when necessary to reduce hip pressure
- Physical therapy – a supervised program focusing on stretching exercises and strengthening exercises tailored to your specific needs
Medical interventions:
- Corticosteroid injections – highly effective for persistent pain, providing significant relief when conservative measures aren’t sufficient
- Shockwave therapy – an alternative treatment using acoustic waves that has shown promising results
- Surgery – rarely needed and reserved for severe cases that don’t respond to 4-6 weeks of conservative treatment
Rehabilitation
Physical therapy and targeted exercises form the cornerstone of GTPS recovery and prevention. A structured exercise program should include both stretching and strengthening components.
Exercise guidelines:
- Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any exercise program
- Warm up with stretching before progressing to strengthening
- Perform movements slowly and in a controlled manner
- Stretch to mild discomfort, not pain
- Hold stretches for 30 seconds and strengthening positions for 3-5 seconds
- Aim for 3 sets of 5-10 repetitions per exercise
- Apply ice for 5-10 minutes after exercising
Key stretching exercises:
- Piriformis stretch – targets the deep hip muscle
- IT band stretch – addresses tightness in the iliotibial band
- Hamstring stretch – improves posterior thigh flexibility
- Hip adductor stretch – enhances inner thigh flexibility
Essential strengthening exercises:
- Isometric hip exercises – static contractions without movement
- Straight leg raises – strengthens hip and buttock muscles
- Hip abduction/adduction – targets muscles around the trochanter
- Bridges – works multiple hip muscles simultaneously
- Wall squats – builds functional strength and endurance
Complications
While GTPS generally has a favorable prognosis, untreated or poorly managed cases can lead to:
- Chronic pain that significantly impacts quality of life
- Functional limitations affecting daily activities and mobility
- Recurrence if underlying causes aren’t addressed
- Surgical risks (though rare) associated with procedures when conservative treatment fails
Prevention
Preventing GTPS involves adopting healthy habits and addressing risk factors:
Activity modifications:
- Use proper exercise technique and gradually increase activity levels
- Choose low-impact activities like swimming over high-impact sports when possible
- Vary your activities to avoid repetitive stress
Lifestyle factors:
- Maintain a healthy weight to reduce hip joint stress
- Wear appropriate, supportive footwear
- Take regular breaks during repetitive activities
- Avoid prolonged pressure on the hip when sleeping or sitting
Physical maintenance:
- Perform regular stretching exercises for hamstrings, quadriceps, and IT band
- Maintain strong core and leg muscles for better hip stability
- Address any biomechanical issues with orthotics or corrective measures
- Take steps to prevent falls, especially if you’re older
Living With Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome
Successfully managing GTPS requires a comprehensive approach combining treatment adherence with lifestyle modifications. Most people begin experiencing improvement within 6-10 weeks of starting appropriate treatment.
Daily management strategies:
- Consistently perform your prescribed exercises and stretching routine
- Gradually return to activities as symptoms improve
- Listen to your body and modify activities that cause increased hip pain
- Stay hydrated, especially during exercise
- Manage any underlying conditions that may contribute to your symptoms
When to seek additional help: Contact your healthcare provider if you experience worsening pain, new symptoms like numbness or tingling, or no improvement after 3-4 weeks of treatment. Remember that surgery is rarely necessary for GTPS.
Key Takeaways
- Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome is a common cause of outer hip pain that primarily affects women over 40
- Symptoms include localized tenderness, pain that worsens with activities like stair climbing, and discomfort when lying on the affected side
- Most cases result from overuse, direct trauma, or biomechanical issues, though underlying medical conditions can also contribute
- Diagnosis relies primarily on clinical examination, though imaging studies may be used to rule out other conditions
- Conservative treatment including rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medications, and physical therapy is successful in 90% of cases
- Corticosteroid injections provide effective relief when conservative measures aren’t sufficient
- A structured rehabilitation program with stretching exercises and strengthening exercises is crucial for recovery and prevention
- Prevention focuses on proper exercise technique, weight management, and addressing biomechanical factors
At Sancheti Hospital, we understand that hip pain can significantly impact your quality of life and daily activities. Our comprehensive orthopedic team specializes in diagnosing and treating Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome using the latest evidence-based approaches.
We offer a full spectrum of services from conservative management with expert physical therapy programs to advanced interventions when needed. Our experienced physiotherapists work closely with orthopedic specialists to develop personalized treatment plans that include targeted exercises and stretching routines designed to address your specific needs.
Whether you’re dealing with trochanteric bursitis or other forms of hip pain, our multidisciplinary approach ensures you receive the most effective care possible. We’re committed to helping you return to your active lifestyle through comprehensive treatment, education, and ongoing support throughout your recovery journey.
Patient Stories & Experiences
The pain in my left knee left me feeling helpless for years. After my treatment here, I can finally say I'm pain-free.
Vinita Singh
The nerves were swollen, and the body went numb. But thanks to Sancheti Hospital, I got a second life!
Parvati
I finally could walk again, a relief I've only felt after the hip pain surgery. I thank the doctors at Sancheti Hospital for their help.
Balaji Kharat
I'm a police officer, and I'm extremely thankful to Sancheti Hospital for treating my fracture without surgery.
Shantilal
My life has completely changed after the knee replacement surgery at Sancheti Hospital. It's like I can finally live again!
Kalpana Lepcha
The knee pain I've carried for years finally went away with the help of Sancheti Hospital.
Karuna
I can't believe that I get to finally live a normal and happy life, all thanks to the knee surgery I had at Sancheti Hospital.
Kishore Bhosle
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does trochanteric bursitis ever go away?
Yes, trochanteric bursitis typically resolves within a few weeks to months with proper treatment including rest and physical therapy. However, it may return if you resume activities that initially caused the condition without making necessary modifications.
What is the fastest way to get rid of hip bursitis?
The quickest relief usually comes from combining rest, ice application, and anti-inflammatory medications for mild cases. For more severe hip pain, corticosteroid injections can provide rapid symptom reduction. However, lasting results require physical therapy and lifestyle modifications.
What is the difference between hip bursitis and trochanteric bursitis?
Trochanteric bursitis is a specific type of hip bursitis affecting the outer hip. The hip has two main bursae: the trochanteric bursa (causing outer hip pain) and the iliopsoas bursa (causing groin pain). Trochanteric bursitis specifically refers to inflammation of the outer hip bursa.
How long does it take to recover from GTPS?
Most people begin feeling better within 6-10 weeks of starting treatment. Complete recovery typically occurs within a few months with consistent adherence to exercises and treatment recommendations.
Can I exercise with trochanteric bursitis?
Yes, but you should modify your activities and follow a structured physical therapy program. Avoid activities that worsen your hip pain and focus on appropriate stretching exercises and strengthening exercises as recommended by your healthcare provider.
