Treatment of trochanteritis or pain syndrome of the greater trochanter
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What is trochanteritis?
This is the painful condition of the muscles and tendons that are inserted in the greater trochanter due to the inflammation of the bursae that are present around this area, these bursae have the task of cushioning the friction between the tendons and the bones, so they are like a kind of bag with synovial fluid that can swell. It is recognizable because the pain manifests itself in the lateral area of the hip and in many cases extends to the knee.
The onset of pain can occur when climbing stairs, in the exchange of the sit-stand position, when spending a prolonged time standing and even when lying on the affected side. If you identify with this condition, read on for some recommendations on trochanteritis.
What causes trochanteritis?
In the hip area there are four bursae that make a joint with so much mobilization work in harmony, however, when there are so many insertions inside the hip it is common to cause inflammation of the bursa when the friction between the parts is made consecutively.
In other words, trochanteritis is caused by the continuous or frequent use of the joint causing exaggerated friction in the area of the greater trochanter and in turn inflammation of the bursa.
For this reason we can say that trochanteritis is more common in athletes, who use the joint excessively and in women, who have a greater distance between the femur and therefore create greater tension in the friction.
Any condition that overrequires the use of the tendon will create inflammation of the bursa, so the cause can also be related, in some cases, to trauma, alterations of the locomotor system, among others.
Where can I treat trochanteritis in Panama?
With the help of an expert doctor you will be able to define the final diagnosis, after a physical and symptom evaluation you will find an effective treatment recommendation to relieve the pain and heal the condition.
Among the treatments for greater trochanter pain syndrome we can find these options:
Drugs: Anti-inflammatory medicine may be prescribed to decrease the inflammation and discomfort caused by the condition. Although it is not a treatment to cure trochanteritis, it can provide relief to the patient while the next step is decided.
Physiotherapeutic exercises: With the right technique, flexibility can be restored to the muscle, so a doctor can guide you with specific movements that help you strengthen and stretch the tendon in order to improve the syndrome or prevent its future appearance.
Hip arthroscopy surgery: It is a minimally invasive surgical method that allows the orthopedic surgeon to enter the affected area and make the necessary cuts to eliminate the tension and solve the problem.
We recommend treating trochanteritis with an orthopedic hip specialist such as Dr. José Felix Castillo who is interested in promoting joint health
What does an orthopedist analyze when you have trochanter pain syndrome?
To diagnose trochanteritis, the orthopedic doctor requires a physical examination, during the interview with the patient, all the pertinent information about the patient’s pain is taken into account. Key questions are also asked, such as the possibility of suffering sequelae from trauma or rheumatological diseases.
Once the condition is suspected, it is time to verify the diagnosis with a physical examination, the patient is asked to lie on his side on the healthy hip with the intention of palpating the affected side, with the appropriate technique the specialist can notice the pain points.
During the same examination, certain movements are requested that, if they generate pain, prove the pain syndrome of the greater trochanter. For this condition, no imaging exam is required unless the orthopedic doctor needs to rule out other pathologies such as neuropathies or spinal involvement.
You should trust a specialist orthopedic doctor to receive optimal care for this syndrome. You can count on the help of Dr. José Félix Castillo, orthopedic doctor, hip and knee surgeon.
Recommendations for trochanteritis
What can you do about trochanteritis? Once you go to the orthopedic doctor, you will have clear indications about what you can or cannot do with the joint. Even so, we will leave you with some precise recommendations to apply in case you identify the symptoms of trochanteritis.
Cryotherapy or cold therapy:
The cold will help relieve the sensation of pain and reduce inflammation, you can find an ice pack, apply for 15 minutes, without hurting your skin, and repeat at least 2 or 3 times a day.
This option is ideal while you define the treatment or comply with the physiotherapy exercises.
Stop activity that causes you pain:
We recommend identifying which movements are causing the pain in the joint and stopping them temporarily until you have a solution to the condition.
This means that you will likely need to change your lifestyle, choose low-impact activities, change your shoes, and even change your training area.
