Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome

Often referred to as trochanteric bursitis or iliotibial band syndrome. Hip bursitis is a painful condition caused by the inflammation of a bursa in the hip. Bursae are fluid-filled sacs present in joints between bone and soft tissue to reduce friction and provide cushioning during movement. There are 2 Bursae in the hip that can get inflamed, one present on the outer side of the upper thigh bone or femur called Trochanteric bursa, and the other is towards the groin region and is called iliopsoas bursa. Bursitis is common in middle-aged women, it can be caused by irritation and overuse in runners, other causes include previous injury or surgery, leg length inequality, and spinal problems. Diagnosis is confirmed by clinical examination of the area noting tenderness or swelling, it is often augmented with an X-ray or MRI to rule out other causes. Treatment is mainly conservative focusing on resolving the inflammation and pain with rest and activity modification in addition to pain killers and anti-inflammatories either taken orally or by local injection such as corticosteroids, physiotherapy, and treatment with heat/ice or sometimes ultrasound therapy may be required. Sometimes a second injection is necessary.