Sacroiliitis and Trochanteric Bursitis

Sacroiliitis may feel deep in one or both buttocks and can spread toward the lower back or thigh. Trochanteric bursitis, also called greater trochanteric pain syndrome, is usually felt at the bony outer side of the hip. Lying on that side, walking uphill, or repeatedly loading the hip can aggravate it. Pain can overlap, so the location, movements that reproduce it, hip strength, gait, and back examination help a clinician separate the contributors.

Reduce repeated aggravating loads without stopping all movement. A physiotherapist can work on hip and pelvic strength, walking mechanics, flexibility, and a gradual return to activity. Do not stretch directly into sharp outer-hip pain or sleep on the painful side. Depending on the diagnosis and your health, a clinician may discuss a cortisone injection or shockwave therapy. Each option has indications and precautions, so treatment should follow an examination.

Arrange assessment if hip pain affects sleep, walking, stairs, or work, or if it continues after you modify provoking activities. Seek urgent care after a fall with inability to bear weight, or for a hot swollen joint with fever. New leg weakness, numbness around the groin, or bladder and bowel changes also need urgent assessment.

Which structure is driving my pain: sacroiliac joint, outer hip, spine, or more than one? What findings support that view? Which exercises should I pause? Would an injection or shockwave treatment be appropriate for my situation?