• 21 Sep, 2026
• UnityPain
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Trochanteric Bursitis Hip Pain | Unity Pain Modesto

When Every Step Hurts: Understanding Trochanteric Bursitis

If you feel a sharp or burning pain on the outer side of your hip, you are not alone. Trochanteric bursitis is one of the most common causes of hip pain in adults. It can make simple things — like walking to the mailbox, climbing stairs, or even lying on your side at night — feel almost impossible. Living with this kind of pain is exhausting, and it can wear you down emotionally as well as physically. The good news is that this condition is well understood, and there are real options that may help you feel better.

This article will help you understand what trochanteric bursitis is, why it happens, and what kinds of care are available. You deserve to have clear information so you can make good decisions about your health.

What Is Trochanteric Bursitis?

Your hip has small, fluid-filled sacs called bursae. These little sacs act like cushions between your bones, muscles, and tendons. They help everything move smoothly without friction. The trochanteric bursa sits on the outside of your hip, near the bony point you can feel on the outer part of your upper thigh. That bony point is called the greater trochanter.

When this bursa becomes irritated or inflamed, the condition is called trochanteric bursitis. The area becomes swollen and tender. Pain is often felt along the outer hip and may spread down the side of the thigh. Many people notice the pain gets worse with activity, after sitting for a long time, or when they press on that outer hip area. Some people also call this condition greater trochanteric pain syndrome.

Who Gets Trochanteric Bursitis and Why?

Trochanteric bursitis can affect people of all ages, but it is more common in middle-aged and older adults. Women tend to be affected more often than men. Certain things can raise your risk of developing this condition. These include having one leg slightly longer than the other, poor posture, hip injuries, back problems, arthritis, or tight muscles around the hip.

Repetitive activities can also trigger it. Runners, hikers, and people who spend long hours on their feet may notice symptoms after periods of increased activity. Sometimes the cause is not obvious at all. An old injury, a surgery, or even the way you naturally walk can put extra stress on the bursa over time until it becomes inflamed.

• Common risk factors include:
• Age and female sex
• Obesity or sudden weight gain
• Hip or lower back problems
• Leg length differences
• Overuse or repetitive motion
• Previous hip surgery or injury

What Does the Pain Feel Like?

The pain from trochanteric bursitis is usually felt on the outer part of the hip. It can feel sharp, burning, or achy. For some people it is a dull throb that never quite goes away. The pain may spread down the outside of the thigh toward the knee. It often gets worse when you lie on the affected side, walk up stairs, or stand for long periods.

Many people find that the pain interrupts their sleep. Waking up in the night because you rolled onto your sore hip is a very common complaint. This lack of sleep makes everything harder to cope with and can affect your mood, your work, and your relationships. If this sounds familiar, please know that what you are going through is real and valid — and help is available.

How Is Trochanteric Bursitis Diagnosed?

A healthcare provider will usually start with a physical exam. They will ask about your symptoms, press gently on the outer hip to check for tenderness, and watch how you walk. In many cases, the diagnosis can be made based on your symptoms and exam findings alone.

Sometimes imaging tests are used to rule out other causes of hip pain. An X-ray can check for bone problems like arthritis or hip fractures. An MRI or ultrasound can give a clearer picture of the soft tissues around the hip, including the bursa. Getting the right diagnosis matters because other conditions — like hip joint arthritis, IT band syndrome, or a pinched nerve — can cause similar symptoms and may need different treatment.

Treatment Options That May Help

Treatment for trochanteric bursitis usually starts with conservative, non-surgical steps. Resting the hip, applying ice, and taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications are often the first suggestions. Physical therapy is another important tool. A skilled physical therapist can teach you stretches and strengthening exercises designed to reduce strain on the bursa and improve how your hip moves.

When pain is more severe or does not respond to basic care, a corticosteroid injection directly into the bursa may be recommended. This type of joint injection can help reduce inflammation and provide meaningful relief for many patients. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections are also being studied as an option for some people. If you are looking for comprehensive, personalized care in the Central Valley, the team at Unity Pain Management in Modesto offers joint injections and medication management services and works with most insurance plans. Speaking with a pain specialist can help you understand which options make the most sense for your specific situation.

• Possible treatment approaches include:
• Rest and activity modification
• Ice or heat therapy
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Physical therapy and targeted exercises
• Corticosteroid or other injections
• Weight management support

Living With Hip Pain and Finding Support

Chronic hip pain can make you feel like your body has let you down. It can limit your independence and keep you from doing the things you love. If you have been struggling for a while without answers or relief, it is completely understandable to feel frustrated or discouraged. You are not imagining the pain, and you are not weak for finding it hard to cope.

Reaching out for professional help is a courageous step. Whether you need in-person care or prefer the convenience of a telehealth visit, Unity Pain Management is here to support patients throughout Modesto and the surrounding Central Valley. A careful evaluation can help create a care plan that fits your life and your goals. You do not have to keep pushing through pain alone.

Trochanteric bursitis is treatable. With the right support and the right plan, many people do find meaningful improvement. There is reason to be hopeful, and there are people ready to help you take the next step.

References

• Speers, Christopher J. and Bhavesh Bhatt. “Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome: A Review.” Journal of Orthopaedics. 2017.
• Mellor, Rebecca, et al. “Education plus Exercise versus Corticosteroid Injection Use versus a Wait and See Approach on Global Outcome and Pain from Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome.” BMJ. 2018.
• National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. “Hip Pain and Problems.” National Institutes of Health. 2023.
• Mayo Clinic Staff. “Bursitis.” Mayo Clinic. 2023.
• Segal, Neil A., James C. Felson, and Jennifer C. Torner. “Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome: Epidemiology and Associated Factors.” Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 2007.