The term "trochanteritis” is widely used in the clinical context, however, it is currently more correct to define it as “greater trochanteric pain syndrome” (TMS), since it encompasses various conditions of the lateral region of the hip, among which are:
- Trochanteric bursitis: Inflammation of the trochanteric bursa.
- Gluteal tendinopathy: Involvement of the gluteus medius and minimus tendons.
- Gluteal enthesopathy: When the area specifically affects the insertion of the gluteal tendons into the greater trochanter.
- Partial rupture of the gluteal tendons.
In sports such as tennis or paddle tennis (lateral movements), weightlifters (due to poor technique or lack of strengthening of the hip stabilizers) as well as in other disciplines such as dance, especially ballet (due to the demand for abduction and rotation movements of the hip) trochanteritis can occur.
Clinical signs of trochanteritis or greater trochanteric pain syndrome.
- Pain in the lateral side of the hip.
- Pain that increases when pressing on the affected area, such as lying on that side.
- Discomfort when going up and down stairs, walking, running, or standing for long periods.
- Pain when crossing legs.
- Stiffness in the morning or upon rising after sitting for a long time.
- Irradiation to the buttock, thigh or groin.
- Muscle weakness.
How long does it take to heal trochanteritis and what is the best treatment?
As we always say, the signs and symptoms that perpetuate an injury are usually multifactorial, so healing times will depend on the individual, the affected tissue and the environment that enhances or diminishes them.
We can say that milder cases of trochanteritis can improve in about 4-6 weeks of conservative treatment (physiotherapy); moderate cases can take about 2 to 3 months; and in more chronic stages it can take up to 6 months for complete recovery. In less common cases, surgery can be performed to relieve symptoms such as: Dr. Juan Arnal explains in the following video.
However, at our Advanced Evolution physiotherapy clinic, located in Alcalá de Henares, we have the knowledge and tools to accelerate the body's healing processes through manual therapy, technology and Active exercise planned and scheduledOur results in injuries of this type are usually satisfactory for the patient who trusts us, greatly improving their quality of life and introduction to sports practice.
Is it advisable to walk or exercise when I have localized pain in my hip?
A question that arises for many patients when they are diagnosed with trochanteritis is whether it is better to rest or move, how and how much to do it. The good news is that, in most cases, staying active is important and necessary for the recovery of injured tissues. Rest is never a good option for this pathology, but gentle physical activity is, since it improves circulation (helping to reduce inflammation and improve tissue regeneration), preventing joint stiffness and activating the muscles that protect the hip.
Low-impact activities such as walking, short walks on flat terrain or swimming may be suitable for the early stages of the injury, accompanied by therapeutic exercise through specific routines and directed by an expert physiotherapist, with the aim of improving biomechanics and progressively loading the damaged structures.
High-impact sports and activities should be prescribed in more advanced stages of the injury, controlling the volume, intensity and rest periods and adjusting these parameters in each session.
Why does my hip hurt when I sleep on my side and how can I relieve it?
Sleeping on your side is a symptom that a patient diagnosed with trochanteritis may suffer from, however, there are many pathologies that could trigger similar symptoms (hip osteoarthritis, piriformis syndrome, lumbar radiculopathy, ischial bursitis, snapping hip, iliotibial band syndrome, etc.). That is why putting yourself in the hands of a health professional is essential to reach an accurate diagnosis and therefore an appropriate treatment plan.
In the case of greater trochanteric pain syndrome, sleeping on the side may increase discomfort due to compression of the gluteus medius and minimus tendons on the trochanter or compression on the inflamed bursa.
It is advisable to sleep on your back or in the most comfortable position to minimize pressure and not cause pain during sleep.
Advanced Physiotherapy Centre in Alcalá de Henares for the treatment of trochanteritis. Physiotherapists who are experts in the management of musculoskeletal pain.
Clínica Evolution is a physiotherapy centre where we try to help people who come into our care every day, offering valuable assessments and treatments to improve their quality of life.
We treat acute and chronic hip pain, as well as other musculoskeletal pathologies. We accompany and guide our patients throughout the entire recovery process.
In addition, we carry out post-surgical rehabilitation and are experts in therapeutic exercise, a very powerful tool in pain management.
We have large, fully-equipped physiotherapy rooms with cutting-edge technology and an injury rehabilitation area where we can teach exercises in a personalized way.
If you need us to assess your specific case, help you and plan a proper rehabilitation, write to us or take Appointment with usWe will be happy to offer you a solution.
2 thoughts on “Causas, síntomas y tratamientos para la trocanteritis”
Hello, I've had this hip pain and sharp, stabbing pains for a month now, it's awful.
Hi Eva, we're sorry you've been experiencing this for a month. That sharp, stabbing hip pain can have several causes, and it's best to have it assessed in a consultation to identify the source and relieve it as soon as possible with the most appropriate physiotherapy treatment.