Trochanteric Bursitis and X-Ray: What to Know

Trochanteric bursitis, also called greater trochanteric pain syndrome, involves irritated tissues around the outside of the hip. These soft tissues may not be clearly visible on a routine X-ray. The scan can still help look for bone changes, arthritis, an injury, or another explanation for symptoms. A normal result does not mean the pain is imaginary; the history and physical examination remain central.

Your clinician may press around the outer hip, assess strength and walking, and check the back and nearby joints. Further imaging is considered when the examination suggests a different problem or when symptoms persist.

Bring the report and images to the clinician who examined you, because the wording needs to be matched to your symptoms. In the meantime, reduce repeated pressure on the painful side, pace stairs and long walks, and use gentle movement rather than complete rest. A tailored [Physiotherapy](/treatments/physiotherapy-and-rehabilitation/physiotherapy/) programme may improve hip control and load tolerance.

If pain continues, ask whether an injection or another treatment is appropriate. [Cortisone Injection](/treatments/non-surgical-orthopedics/cortisone-injection/) and [Shockwave Therapy](/treatments/physiotherapy-and-rehabilitation/shockwave-therapy/) have different uses and should be discussed in context, not chosen from an X-ray alone.

Get prompt medical advice after a fall, if you cannot bear weight, or if pain is rapidly worsening. Urgent assessment is needed for fever with a hot or swollen hip, severe night pain with unexplained illness, new weakness or numbness, or loss of bladder or bowel control. Seek immediate help for sudden breathlessness or chest pain.

Ask what the X-ray has ruled out, whether the examination supports trochanteric bursitis, and whether another scan is useful. Clarify which activities to modify, how long to try rehabilitation, and what signs should trigger review.