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A
bursae is a fluid filled sac that is in position in an area of
great friction. For example, between a bone and a tendon muscle.
A Trochanteric bursitis is the inflammation of the bursae that
lies between the femur (the large bone of the upper leg) and the
large tendon of the TFL (tensor fascia late) muscle. |
| Trochanteric
bursitis is the most common bursae in the hip. There are many
muscles such as gluteus maximus, tensor fascia latae, and the
iliotibial band that surround and overly this bursae. Irritation
of the bursae will occur if any of these structures become tight
and cause excessive pressure directly on the bursae. |
| The
following symptoms may be present with trochanteric bursitis: |
- Localized
pain over side of upper thigh at the hip joint.
- Pain
with daily activities such as climbing stairs, crossing
legs, sleeping on the affected side.
- Increased
temperature in the local area.
- Painful
to move leg out to side.
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| X-rays
would be negative. If the signs and symptoms of the bursitis
were not presenting a clear diagnosis, an MRI would show an
inflamed bursae, however this test is expensive and it is very
rarely used to diagnose a trochanteric bursitis. |
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The
following are common possible causes of a trochanteric bursitis: |
- Decreased
flexibility of the iliotibial band. This is a band of
connective tissue that spans
from the bones of the pelvis to the outside of the knee.
- Habitual
standing on one leg.
- An
imbalance between the muscles that work to pull the leg out
to the side (gluteus medius)
and the muscles that work to pull the leg in towards the
midline of the body. (adductor magnus, adductor longus,
adductor brevis, gluteus maximus, quadratus femoris).
- Running
sports such as soccer that requires repeated movements of
the leg toward the
midline of the body.
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| Trochanteric
bursitis appears gradually. If you are starting to develop any
or all of the symptoms listed above it is important to avoid the
activities that aggravate or worsen the injury. As well, ice may
be applied directly to the painful area for no longer than 15
minutes at a time to help reduce the pain and tenderness. |
| How
Physiotherapy Can Help Me? |
| There
are a variety of causes that may contribute to a trochanteric
bursitis. A
physiotherapist is skilled in assessing the possible
causes of the injury. A proper treatment plan will be designed
to address the cause and help the healing. Modalities can be
used to decrease swelling and increase healing. Also,
exercises will be prescribed to decrease the chance of a
re-occurring injury. |
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