GT Pain Syndrome Treatment | Prospect Spine & Pain

Greater Trochanteric Bursitis Treatment

Pain and aching most often noted when lying on your side or during activity in the region of the hip joint could be a condition called greater trochanteric bursitis. In Newark, New Jersey, Prospect Spine and Pain (PSP) offers relief to patients with this condition through greater trochanteric bursa injections. Administered by Dr. Maria Cabodevilla-Conn, a board-certified Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physician (PM&R), these injections can help relieve the inflammation causing pain where the hip joins the thigh bone. To learn more about greater trochanteric pain syndrome or to schedule treatment, please contact us.

What Is Greater Trochanteric Bursitis?

A bursa is a space filled with fluid that surrounds a major bone in the body, and the inflammation affecting bursae is called bursitis. When bursae become inflamed around the outer thigh bone’s joining point with the hip, it is known as greater trochanteric bursitis. This condition is often referred to as greater trochanteric pain syndrome or greater trochanter pain syndrome.

Symptoms of Greater Trochanter Pain Syndrome

Those suffering from this condition may experience symptoms such as:

Persistent Hip Pain: Individuals with greater trochanteric bursitis often experience a dull, achy pain in the outer aspect of the hip that may radiate down the side of the thigh.
Tenderness and Swelling: The affected area may feel tender to the touch, and swelling or inflammation may be noticeable around the hip joint.
Difficulty Walking: Walking, especially for extended periods or uphill, can exacerbate lateral hip pain and cause discomfort.
Painful Hip Movements: Activities such as climbing stairs, getting in and out of a car, or rising from a seated position may be painful or challenging.
Pain with Pressure: Applying pressure to the affected hip bursa, such as lying on the affected side or sitting on hard surfaces, can worsen the pain.
Night Pain: Some individuals may experience increased hip pain at night, particularly when lying on the affected side.
Limited Range of Motion: Reduced flexibility and range of motion in the hip joint may accompany greater trochanteric pain syndrome, making it difficult to perform daily activities.
Muscle Weakness: Weakness in the hip abductor muscles may develop over time due to pain and inflammation, further impairing mobility and stability.
Painful Hip Abduction: Abducting the hip (moving the leg away from the body) can elicit sharp or stabbing pain in individuals with trochanteric bursitis.
Pain Relief with Rest: Symptoms of greater trochanteric bursitis may temporarily improve with rest and avoidance of aggravating activities. However, pain often returns upon resuming normal activities.

For patients with minor symptoms, approaches such as resting and icing the area or over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs may be sufficient in relieving the pain and inflammation. However, patients who have not been successful with conservative treatment options are encouraged to speak with Dr. Maria Cabodevilla-Conn about their candidacy for greater trochanteric bursa injections or other treatments.

Who is Most Likely At Risk?

Individuals who engage in activities that involve repetitive hip movements or prolonged pressure on the hip joints are at a higher risk of developing greater trochanteric pain syndrome. This includes athletes, particularly runners and cyclists, as well as individuals with poor posture or biomechanical imbalances. Women are also more susceptible to this condition, especially during menopause, when hormonal changes can affect hip muscle function and stability.

Diagnosing Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome

Diagnosing trochanteric or hip bursitis typically involves a thorough medical history review and physical examination to assess the hip joint range of motion and identify areas of tenderness. Imaging studies such as X-rays or MRI scans may be ordered to rule out other potential causes of hip pain and confirm the diagnosis.

About Greater Trochanteric Bursa Injections

Corticosteroid injections, a common medical procedure utilized for alleviating pain and inflammation, involve the precise administration of steroid medication combined with an anesthetic into the targeted bursae. These injections are particularly effective in addressing conditions such as greater trochanteric pain syndrome or hip bursitis. The corticosteroid component works by reducing inflammation, which in turn helps alleviate pain and discomfort. By directly targeting the affected area, corticosteroid injections provide localized relief, often resulting in significant improvement in symptoms shortly after administration.

The duration of pain relief varies among individuals but can last for weeks, months, or even years in some cases, allowing patients to regain functionality and improve their quality of life. Corticosteroid injections are considered a valuable treatment option for managing chronic or acute musculoskeletal conditions, offering patients a non-invasive alternative to surgery and long-term medication use. However, it’s essential to discuss the potential risks and benefits of corticosteroid injections with a healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate course of treatment for each individual’s specific needs.

What to Expect from an Injection

On the day of the injection, you should wear loose or comfortable pants. First, the doctor will have you lie on your side to expose the side where the pain is present. If lying is difficult, you will be positioned in your chair. Dr. Maria Cabodevilla-Conn will identify the source of the pain by palpating the most sensitive part of the bursa. The area will then be marked and cleaned with alcohol swabs. Then, Dr. Maria Cabodevilla-Conn will administer the injection and bandage the area, with the entire procedure lasting only 5 to 10 minutes. Ultrasound guidance can be used for cases when deemed appropriate by the physician.

Pain and discomfort should subside as soon as the injection’s combination of medications fully sets in. Relief from this injection typically lasts for months when done in conjunction with stretching or physical therapy. Repeat injections can be considered as needed and deemed appropriate.

What Happens After the Injection?

Following a diagnostic or therapeutic corticosteroid injection, patients may experience immediate relief from trochanteric bursitis pain as the medication reduces inflammation in the affected area. However, it’s essential to continue with physical therapy and lifestyle modifications to address underlying biomechanical issues and prevent future flare-ups. Some individuals may require multiple injections or additional interventions to achieve long-term pain relief and improve hip joint function.

Lifestyle Tips for Those Living With Greater Trochanteric Bursitis

Modify Activities: Identify and avoid activities that exacerbate hip pain, such as prolonged standing, running, or high-impact exercises.
Use Supportive Footwear: Opt for shoes with good arch support and cushioning to reduce stress on the hip joints during walking and other weight-bearing activities.
Maintain Healthy Weight: Excess weight can increase pressure on the hip joints and exacerbate symptoms of trochanteric bursitis. Maintain a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise.
Practice Good Posture: Maintain proper posture while sitting, standing, and walking to minimize strain on the hip muscles and joints.
Incorporate Gentle Exercise: Engage in low-impact exercises such as swimming, cycling, or gentle yoga to improve flexibility, strength, and joint stability without aggravating hip pain.
Apply Ice Therapy: Apply ice packs to the affected hip for 15-20 minutes several times a day to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
Use Assistive Devices: Consider using assistive devices such as walking aids or braces to support the hip joint and reduce strain during activities of daily living.
Practice Stress Reduction Techniques: Stress can exacerbate pain and inflammation. Incorporate relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or mindfulness to manage stress and promote overall well-being.
Stay Active: While rest is important for pain relief, maintaining overall physical activity is crucial for joint health and overall fitness. Work with a physical therapist to develop a personalized exercise program that accommodates your condition and goals.

Access Quality Care for Greater Trochanteric Bursitis

For those seeking an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment regimen for their hip pain, schedule a consultation in Newark, NJ, at Prospect Spine and Pain (PSP). Dr. Maria Cabodevilla-Conn is a highly regarded physiatry and pain management specialist who works with patients to find conservative or minimally invasive solutions for their symptoms. For more information about greater trochanteric bursa injections or how we can help pinpoint the root cause of your pain, contact us today.