Understanding the Symptoms and Risk Factors of Greater Trochanter Bursitis

Greater trochanter bursitis is estimated to occur in up to 20 percent of those who experience hip pain. This is not an uncommon condition and it occurs when the bursae sacs are inflamed. This specific type of bursitis can be affected by motion and pressure due to where it is located. If you are experiencing hip pain that is just not going away, this condition is possible. Prolonged hip pain needs to be evaluated by your doctor.

What are the Risk Factors of Greater Trochanter Bursitis?

For some people, this type of bursitis can occur without any apparent cause. There are risk factors as well that can make you susceptible to this condition. Trauma or an injury to the area of the hip where the bursae could lead to this condition. If you exercise excessively, this could result in this condition. Uneven gait or back problems may lead to this type of bursitis. Hip structural problems, inflammatory conditions and infection of the bursa are also risk factors.

If you have any of these risk factors and are concerned about this type of bursitis in your hip - or elsewhere - talk to your healthcare provider. He or she can evaluate you and discuss your health state and options if this condition were to occur.

What are the Symptoms of Greater Trochanter Bursitis?

Pain is, of course, the primary symptom associated with this condition. The pain is generally felt on the outer side of your upper thigh and hip. As time passes, you may notice pain extending to your knee and further down your thigh. Pain may also become more constant. Most people find that they cannot lie on the hip with bursitis when they are trying to sleep as this causes them too much pain or discomfort.

The pain associated with this condition varies. For some it can be mild, while for others it can become quite intense. The pain is often described as a burning pain and sometimes people describe a stiff type of pain as well. Some people have reported an achy type of pain with this condition.

Some people find that this condition makes it difficult to maintain normal activities at their job and some notice that they have difficulty sleeping. Those involved sports may find that they can no longer play when hip bursitis is causing symptoms.

Resources

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Hip Bursitis