What should you know about peritrochanteric bursitis?

A bursa is a small fluid-filled sac that helps tissues glide over one another. Around the greater trochanter, irritation can develop after repeated pressure, a change in walking or exercise, a fall, or altered hip muscle control. Pain is commonly felt on the outside of the hip and may spread down the outer thigh. Lying on the affected side, climbing stairs or standing from a chair can aggravate it. Hip joint arthritis, tendon problems and pain referred from the back can feel similar, so location alone cannot confirm the diagnosis.

Temporarily reduce activities that repeatedly compress or load the painful side, and avoid lying directly on it. A pillow between the knees may make side sleeping more comfortable. A clinician may recommend anti-inflammatory medication when suitable for your health history. Physiotherapy is not listed among the available treatment links for this page, but a clinician can still advise whether targeted hip strengthening or movement changes are appropriate. Persistent symptoms may lead to discussion of a cortisone injection; joint aspiration is considered only when fluid needs analysis or removal.

Seek prompt care for fever, a hot or rapidly reddening area, severe pain after a fall, inability to bear weight, or sudden marked swelling. These features can indicate infection, fracture or another urgent problem. Arrange a review if pain persists, wakes you regularly, causes a limp, or fails to improve after sensible activity changes.

Ask whether the pain is coming from the bursa, hip tendons, the joint or the spine; which activities should change; whether medication is suitable; and what findings would make injection or aspiration useful.