TROCHANTERIC BURSITIS (HIP BURSITIS) INJECTION
What Is Trochanteric Bursitis (Hip Bursitis)?
Trochanteric bursitis is inflammation of the trochanteric bursa, a small fluid-filled sac that sits between the outer point of the hip bone, known as the greater trochanter, and the tendons and muscles that pass over it. Its job is to reduce friction as these structures glide over one another during everyday movement, such as walking, climbing stairs or rolling over in bed.
You may also see this condition referred to as trochanteric bursa syndrome. Research over the past decade has shown that persistent pain in this area is often linked to the gluteal tendons — the tendons that attach the buttock muscles to the hip — as well as, or instead of, the bursa itself. Because of this, clinicians increasingly use the broader term Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS) to describe the condition, since it captures both trochanteric bursitis and the closely related gluteal tendon problems that often occur alongside it, or are sometimes mistaken for bursitis of the trochanter on its own. Understanding this distinction matters, because it can influence how a treatment plan is put together.
A trochanteric bursa injection — an ultrasound-guided bursitis hip injection — is a well-established, effective treatment for this condition.
Trochanteric Bursitis vs Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome — what's the difference?
In practice, the two terms are used interchangeably by most patients and many clinicians. “Trochanteric bursitis” describes inflammation of the bursa specifically, while “GTPS” is the broader umbrella term used when tendon involvement is also likely. Since the symptoms, assessment and treatment overlap so closely, you don’t need to worry about which label applies — what matters is getting an accurate assessment of what’s driving the pain.
Symptoms of Trochanteric Bursitis
Trochanteric bursitis tends to follow a fairly recognisable pattern. Common symptoms include:
- Pain on the outer side of the hip, roughly at trouser-pocket level
- A deep ache or burning sensation that can start sharp and become more persistent over time
- Pain that is worse when lying on the affected side, which often disrupts sleep
- Discomfort when climbing stairs, standing up from a low chair, or getting in and out of a car
- Pain that increases during or after walking, running or cycling
- Tenderness when pressing directly over the outer hip bone
- Occasionally, an ache that spreads down the outer thigh, though it does not usually travel below the knee
Symptoms can develop gradually or, less commonly, follow a specific incident such as a fall or a period of unusually high activity. Many people describe the pain as manageable at first, becoming more noticeable and disruptive as the weeks go on, particularly if the underlying cause is not addressed.
Treatment We Offer
Ultrasound-guided cortisone injections are a well-established treatment for trochanteric bursitis, particularly when pain is limiting sleep or daily activity. The corticosteroid reduces inflammation in the bursa and surrounding tendons, and ultrasound guidance allows the clinician to place the injection precisely, which improves both accuracy and comfort. Many patients notice a reduction in pain within a few days, with benefit typically lasting several weeks to months.
Your Care Pathway with us
- To book an appointment you can call our normal reception line, 0142084487, email direct to info@altonpainclinic.co.uk or click the button given below.
- Comprehensive Musculoskeletal examination and testing.
- Same day Ultrasound Guided Injection for pain relief.
- Discussion of your treatment plan; Treatment Plans can include i.e advanced treatments for ex. Cortisone Injections, Hyaluronic injections and various other options tailored for your specific needs.
What Causes Trochanteric Bursitis?
Several factors can contribute to trochanteric bursitis, including:
- Overuse, from repetitive activities such as long-distance walking, running or cycling
- Direct trauma, such as a fall onto the hip or a knock to the outer thigh
- Previous hip surgery, including hip replacement, which can change how load passes through the area
- Biomechanical factors, including differences in leg length, altered walking patterns, or weakness in the muscles that support the hip and pelvis
- Other joint conditions, as trochanteric bursitis can develop alongside hip or lower back problems that change how you move or bear weight
It is also common for trochanteric bursitis to coexist with gluteal tendon problems, which is part of why clinicians now think of this area more broadly as Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome rather than a single, isolated diagnosis. In many cases, more than one factor is involved, which is why a thorough assessment is more useful than assuming a single cause. Trochanteric bursitis is also seen more often in women, and in adults over 40, though it can affect people of any age and activity level, including athletes and those who are otherwise sedentary.
How Is Hip Bursitis Diagnosed?
Diagnosis usually starts with a clinical assessment. Your clinician will ask about your symptoms, including when the pain started and what makes it better or worse, and examine the hip, checking for tenderness over the greater trochanter and pain with specific movements or positions, such as resisted hip abduction.
Ultrasound plays a valuable role alongside this. It allows a clinician to see the trochanteric bursa and the surrounding gluteal tendons in real time, which helps confirm whether there is fluid or thickening consistent with bursitis, assess the condition of the tendons themselves, and rule out other explanations for the pain. Because ultrasound is dynamic, it can also show how these structures behave during movement, rather than relying on a single static image.
Conclusion
At Alton Pain Clinic, we assess hip pain using detailed musculoskeletal ultrasound, which allows us to look directly at the trochanteric bursa and surrounding gluteal tendons rather than relying on symptoms alone. We offer ultrasound-guided cortisone injections tailored to your assessment findings.
If outer hip pain is disturbing your sleep or limiting your daily activity, Alton Pain Clinic can assess and, where appropriate, treat it in a single visit. Call us on 01420 84487 or book your appointment online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is trochanteric bursitis the same as hip bursitis?
Yes — hip bursitis is the everyday term for the same condition. “Trochanteric bursitis” and “Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS)” are the clinical names used for inflammation around the outer hip.
How long does trochanteric bursitis take to heal?
Mild cases often settle within a few weeks with activity modification and strengthening. More persistent cases can take several months, though an ultrasound-guided injection can speed up symptom relief considerably.
What is the best test for trochanteric bursitis?
There isn’t a single definitive test — diagnosis is based on a combination of tenderness over the greater trochanter, specific hip movement tests, and, where needed, an ultrasound scan to confirm inflammation of the bursa or tendons.
Is walking bad for trochanteric bursitis?
Gentle walking is generally fine and often encouraged, but a sudden increase in walking distance or pace can aggravate symptoms. Building up activity gradually tends to work better than resting completely.
Is trochanteric bursitis linked to hip arthritis?
The two conditions are separate, but hip osteoarthritis can be a contributing factor to trochanteric bursitis, and the two sometimes occur together. An assessment can clarify which is driving your symptoms.