The medical condition known as hip bursitis or trochanteric bursitis is characterised by inflammation of the bursa that is close to the greater trochanter of the femur. The bony protrusion on the side of the hip is called the greater trochanter. A bursa is a tiny sac filled with fluid that serves as a cushion between tendons, muscles, and bones to lessen friction and promote easy movement.
Causes of Trochanteric Bursitis
Numerous things can lead to trochanteric bursitis. The issue often arises from irritation or inflammation of the bursa close to the greater trochanter of the femur.
The following are some typical causes and risk factors for trochanteric bursitis:
1. Repetitive Stress or Overuse: Running, long-distance walking, or stair climbing are examples of activities that entail repetitive motions of the hip joint and can strain the bursa and cause inflammation.
2. Muscle weakness or Imbalance: The mechanics of the hip joint might be disrupted by imbalances or weakness, which raises the possibility of bursitis. For instance, weak hip abductor muscles may contribute to the bursa being overworked.
3. Trauma or Direct Injury: A fall, a hit to the hip, or other types of direct trauma can harm the bursa or the tissues around it, resulting in bursitis.
4. Obesity or excess body weight can put more strain on the hip joint, causing bursitis. This is especially important since uneven weight distribution might put greater strain on the bursa.
5. Bone spurs or calcium deposits: On the greater trochanter or close to the bursa, bone spurs or calcium deposits might form. These anomalies may irritate the bursa, which may become inflamed and develop bursitis.
6. Pre-existing conditions: Trochanteric bursitis can become more likely to occur if certain underlying illnesses, such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, or hip tendonitis, hip surgery are present.
7. Gait or Postural abnormalities: The mechanics of the hip joint might be changed by poor posture or unusual walking styles, which could increase bursa stress and cause inflammation.
It's vital to remember that a number of variables may interact and support the growth of trochanteric bursitis. A healthcare practitioner who can evaluate the patient's unique circumstances and provide the best recommendations should carry out the diagnosis and therapy.
Sign & Symptoms of Trochanteric Bursitis
Trochanteric bursitis can have a variety of indications and symptoms, but they are typically characterised by pain and discomfort in the area of the outer hip. The following are typical symptoms and indicators of trochanteric bursitis:
1. Outer hip pain: Pain on the outside of the hip is the main sign of trochanteric bursitis. The greater trochanter area may be the only location of discomfort, or it may radiate along the outside of the leg and buttock. Typically, it is described as having an agonising, sharp, or scorching sensation.
2. Pain gets worse with activity: Activities that entail hip joint mobility, such as walking, ascending stairs, or standing up from a seated posture, likely to make the pain worse. Excessive pressure on the injured hip or prolonged durations of activity can make the discomfort worse.
3. Sleeping/lying on the affected side: When you have trochanteric bursitis, it might hurt and be uncomfortable to sleep or lie on that side. A bursa under pressure may hurt and make it difficult to sleep.
4. Swelling & Tenderness: When you have trochanteric bursitis, it might hurt and be uncomfortable to sleep or lie on that side. A bursa under pressure may hurt and make it difficult to sleep.
5. Hip joint stiffness and restricted range of motion can be brought on by trochanteric bursitis. Crossing one's legs or crouching are two actions that call for a lot of hip motion and might be challenging or unpleasant.
6. Radiating Pain: Trochanteric bursitis can cause pain that travels down the outside of the leg or buttock. This pain might be severe or shooting in nature, and it normally travels along the course taken by the injured bursa.
PHYSIOTHERAPY FOR TROCHANTERIC BURSITIS
Trochanteric bursitis can be effectively treated with physiotherapy. An unique treatment plan can be created by a physiotherapist after an evaluation of your condition and needs. The following are some typical physical therapy procedures for trochanteric bursitis:
Exercises can be helpful in treating trochanteric bursitis by reducing pain, increasing flexibility, and fortifying the hip muscles. Before beginning any fitness programme, it's crucial to speak with a medical professional or physical therapist to be sure it is appropriate for your unique situation. Several of the activities frequently suggested for trochanteric bursitis are listed below:
1. HIP ABDUCTOR EXERCISES: Strong hip abductor muscles aid in hip stabilisation and lessen bursa stress. Perform workouts include standing hip abduction exercises or side-lying leg raises. Maintaining a straight leg and proper posture, stand up straight and lift your leg out to the side. Repetition on each side.
2. CLAMSHELL EXERCISES: The hip abductor muscles are the focus of this workout. Legs should be 90 degrees bent while you lay on your side. Lift the top knee while maintaining contact with the floor and keeping your feet together. Reducing the knee once again. Aim for 2-3 sets of 10-15 repetitions on each side while moving carefully.
3. BRIDGING EXERCISES: Knees bent and feet flat on the floor, lie on your back. Using your gluteal muscles, raise your hips off the floor. After a little period of holding, bring your hips back down. 3-5 sets of 10-15 repetitions should be done.
4. HIP EXTERNAL ROTATOR STRETCH: This stretch improves flexibility by focusing on the external rotator muscles of the hip. To extend the hip, lean over the side of a chair, cross one ankle over the other knee, and lightly press down on the lifted knee. Repeat on the opposite side after holding the stretch for 30 seconds.
5. PIRIFORMIS STRETCH: The piriformis muscle, which runs across the buttock region, can cause hip pain. When you feel a stretch in the buttock region, slowly bring the uncrossed leg towards your chest while lying on your back and crossing one ankle over the other knee. Repeat on the opposite side after holding the stretch for 30 seconds.
6. HAMSTRING STRETCH: Hip pain might be exacerbated by tight hamstrings. Lying on your back, wrap a resistance band or cloth around your foot. Pull your leg towards you while keeping your knee straight until you feel a stretch on the back of your thigh. Repeat with the opposite leg after 30 seconds of holding the stretch.
Just keep in mind to start out slowly and progressively increase your range of motion and intensity as acceptable. Stop working out if it makes your pain or discomfort worse and seek medical advice. A physical therapist can also give you specialised workouts and advice depending on your unique requirements.