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Phone 59 77 04 66 | FAX 59 75 6752.  938 Nepean Hwy, Mornington
M 8am-6:30pm | T 9am-7pm | W 9am-8pm | T 9am-6pm | F 8am-6.30pm

Trochanteric Bursitis & Lateral/Outside Hip Pain

What is it? 

Lateral or outside hip pain can sometimes be caused by inflammation of  a small fluid sack called a bursa that is situated at the side of your hip. The purpose of the bursa is to allow for smooth movement of the overlying muscles over your hip bone. Sometimes due to alterations in the way our muscles work during movement or due to infection the bursa can become inflamed and cause pain. It can also be caused by direct trauma or a knock to the hip.

This injury can affect anyone but is often more common in patients over 30 and more commonly seen in females.

Common signs and symptoms

  • Pain at the hip or side of the leg
  • Tenderness to touch around the top of the hip
  • Pain lying on the affected side or sometimes lying on the opposite side
  • Pain during or after walking or exercise
  • Difficulty with things such as putting on pants, socks etc and bringing the hip up to the chest.
  • Feeling like the leg may give way underneath you when walking particularly up stairs.

How can our Osteopaths help you? 

  • Reducing tension in the muscle groups around the hip and lower back that may be causing bursal irritation.
  • Encouraging your body to address inflammation using hands on soft tissue techniques.
  • Improving biomechanical issues around the hip with mobility or strengthening exercises.
  • Advice regarding management strategies for home and at work.

When can I expect it to get better?

Lateral hip pain caused by bursitis will generally ease with appropriate treatment within 2-4 months after onset. It can have the tendency to become an ongoing issue without being addressed so proper regular treatment and advice is encouraged initially.

Sometimes treatment for bursitis may require more invasive measure. Our osteopaths are well positioned to provide you with advice if they feel this is necessary and to refer you to the appropriate specialist for further intervention.