Trochanteric bursitis

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Overview
Trochanteric bursitis is inflammation of the trochanteric bursa.

This bursa is situated adjacent to the femur, between the insertion of the gluteus medius and gluteus minimus muscles into the greater trochanter of the femur and the femoral shaft. It has the function, in common with other bursae, of working as a shock absorber and as a lubricant for the movement of the muscles adjacent to it.

Occasionally, this bursa can become inflamed and clinically painful and tender.This condition can be a manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis or of an injury, but sometimes arises for no obviously definable cause. The symptoms are pain in the hip region on walking, and tenderness over the upper part of the femur, which may result in the sufferer being unable to lie in comfort on the affected side.

Treatment
The primary treatment is rest. This does not mean bed rest or immobilizing the area but avoiding actions which result in aggravation of the pain. Taking anti-inflammatory medications may relieve pain and reduce the inflammation, however, if these are ineffective, the definitive treatment is steroid injection into the inflamed area. Other treatment options may include applying an ice pack over the tender area or visiting your local physiotherapist for other conservative treatments.