What is Trochanteric Bursitis?
Have you ever experienced discomfort in the outer part of your hip, especially after getting out of a chair or bed? Do you find that walking is painful and disrupts your everyday activities? You may be dealing with trochanteric bursitis, a common hip issue. At MVPT, we are committed to helping you overcome your pain and discomfort to achieve optimal health and well-being.
Signs and Symptoms of Trochanteric Bursitis
Trochanteric bursitis refers to inflammation of the ‘bursa,’ a fluid-filled sac that works as a cushion to reduce friction and protect certain bones and the tendons that pass over them.
When a bursa becomes irritated or inflamed, it can result in localized pain and discomfort. So, understanding the causes and risk factors is crucial for effectively managing this condition in the future.
Common Causes of Trochanteric Bursitis:
- Frequent or Repetitive Activities: Engaging in repetitive activities such as running, walking, or hiking long distances can lead to friction over the hip bursa, causing irritation and inflammation.
- Previous Trauma or Hip Injuries: Previous hip injuries or trauma can elevate the risk of developing trochanteric bursitis, as they may disrupt the bursa’s normal function.
- Muscle Strength Imbalances: Weakness or imbalances in the muscles surrounding the hip can exert additional stress on the bursa, leading to inflammation.
Common Risk Factors:
- Age: The bursa sac may become less resilient with age, making it more susceptible to inflammation.
- Gender: Trochanteric bursitis is more likely to affect women.
- Obesity: Excessive body weight can elevate pressure on the hips, potentially leading to bursa inflammation.
- Previous Hip Conditions: Individuals with a history of hip conditions or surgeries may face a higher risk.
What to Expect at Physical Therapy
Effective treatment of trochanteric bursitis begins with your personalized evaluation, encompassing a comprehensive medical examination and physical assessment. After your evaluation, it’s time to get to work! Your physical therapist will create a tailored treatment plan built around your preferred activities and target achieving your goals.
Here are some of our common treatments for hip bursitis:
- Manual Techniques: Your physical therapist will use hands-on services to improve blood flow, mobilize the soft tissue, and relieve tension, resulting in reduced pain and improved mobility.
- Strengthening Exercises: Your care will target the hip, core, and surrounding muscles to improve muscle imbalances, enhance stability, and reduce pressure on the bursa.
- Mobility Exercises: Improving your range of motion can enhance joint and soft tissue mobility and alleviate stiffness.
- Functional Training: Tailored exercises that simulate your daily activities will allow you to regain functional strength and mobility.
- Gait and Biomechanical Analysis: Evaluating your walking pattern (gait) and overall biomechanics can identify abnormal movements contributing to trochanteric bursitis.
Our MVPT team will also teach you how to modify your activities and avoid tasks associated with causing your pain.
Start Your Journey Towards Pain Relief and Better Mobility
Don’t let trochanteric bursitis pain stop you any longer. Get started on your road to health and wellness by calling your nearest MVPT location to schedule an evaluation or complete the form below.
We’re dedicated to supporting you on your journey to optimal health and wellness, ensuring you can live your life to the fullest!
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