Trochanteric bursitis is when the bursa on the outside of your hip, just over the greater trochanter (the bony point of your upper thigh bone), becomes inflamed or irritated. This leads to pain on the outside of the hip, especially when walking, climbing stairs, lying on that side, or doing repetitive leg movements.

An analogy…

Think of a bursa like a small fluid-filled cushion that helps muscles and tendons glide smoothly over bones. If that cushion gets overused or squashed repeatedly, it becomes inflamed, like sitting too long on a bruised area.

What causes trochanteric bursitis?

The greater trochanter is a prominent part of the thigh bone where several muscles and tendons attach. A bursa lies between these tendons and the bone to reduce friction. When there’s excessive pressure, repetitive movement, poor biomechanics, or trauma, this bursa can get inflamed, causing sharp or burning pain on the side of the hip.

What are the signs and symptoms of trochanteric bursitis?

• Pain on the outside of the hip, especially when lying on that side
• Pain that worsens with walking, climbing stairs, or standing for long periods
• Tenderness over the bony part of the hip
• Sharp or aching pain, sometimes radiating down the thigh
• Stiffness or tightness in the outer hip
• Pain when stretching or using the glute muscles

What tests are used to diagnose trochanteric bursitis?

Palpation: Tenderness directly over the greater trochanter.

Ober’s test: Checks tightness in the iliotibial band (which may compress the bursa).

Resisted abduction test: Reproduces pain when the patient lifts the leg sideways against resistance.

How long does trochanteric bursitis take to heal?

Mild cases can improve in 2 to 4 weeks with proper treatment. Moderate to chronic cases may take 6 to 12 weeks. In stubborn cases, full recovery may take 3 to 6 months, especially if glute weakness or poor movement habits are involved.

How does trochanteric bursitis happen?

• Repetitive friction or overuse, such as running or stair climbing
• Glute weakness, leading to poor hip control
• Tight iliotibial band rubbing over the bursa
• Prolonged side-lying on a hard surface
• Poor walking or running mechanics
• Trauma, such as falling onto the outer hip
• Leg length differences or hip alignment issues

What treatment can help trochanteric bursitis?

• Rest from aggravating activities, especially lying or standing on the sore side
• Ice therapy in early stages
• Manual therapy (massage, dry needling, or myofascial release of surrounding tight muscles)
• Glute and hip strengthening
• Stretching tight structures
• Postural and gait retraining
• Shockwave therapy

What exercises or stretches can I do for trochanteric bursitis?

• Glute bridges and clamshells to build hip strength
• Hip abduction and balance drills
• Foam rolling around the IT band
• IT band and TFL stretches
• Pelvic control and core exercises

What products can help with trochanteric bursitis?

• KT Pilates Band Pack
• KT Trigger Ball