• Submit your information for a free MRI review

  • Should be Empty:
  • (619) 344-6918
  • 6719 Alvarado Rd, Suite 304
    San Diego, CA 92120
  • CHOLLKIM@EXCELSPINE.COM
Excel Spine
  • Schedule Consultation
  • Free MRI Review
  • About Us
    • Media
    • Blog
    • Surgery Videos
  • Our Team
  • Laser Endoscopic Spine Surgery (LESS)
  • Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
  • Diagnosis
  • Resources
    • Patient Forms
    • Patient Experiences
    • Patient Testimonials
  • Contact
Excel Spine
    • About Us
      • Media
      • Blog
      • Surgery Videos
    • Our Team
    • Laser Endoscopic Spine Surgery (LESS)
    • Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
    • Diagnosis
    • Resources
      • Patient Forms
      • Patient Experiences
      • Patient Testimonials
    • Contact

Greater Trochanteric Bursitis

  1. Home
  2. Diagnosis
  3. Greater Trochanteric Bursitis
Greater Trochanteric Bursitis
  • Spondylolisthesis
  • Spinal Stenosis
  • Adjacent Level Degeneration
  • Annular Tear
  • Degenerative Disc Disease
  • Degenerative Scoliosis
  • Disc Herniation
  • Greater Trochanteric Bursitis
  • Injection Purpose
  • Injection Types
  • Kyphosis/Lordosis
  • Osteoporosis
  • Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction
  • Sprains and Strains
  • Tarlov Cyst
  • Tendinopathies
  • Spondylolisthesis
  • Spinal Stenosis
  • Adjacent Level Degeneration
  • Annular Tear
  • Degenerative Disc Disease
  • Degenerative Scoliosis
  • Disc Herniation
  • Greater Trochanteric Bursitis
  • Injection Purpose
  • Injection Types
  • Kyphosis/Lordosis
  • Osteoporosis
  • Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction
  • Sprains and Strains
  • Tarlov Cyst
  • Tendinopathies

Overview

The greater trochanter is the large bump on the top side of the femur, which makes up the outside of the hip. Surrounding this area is a bursa, a thin sac of tissue containing fluid that lubricates and reduces friction. This bursa cushions the greater trochanter of the hip, and separates it from the muscles and tendons of the thighs and buttock. The gluteus medius muscle is attached to a long tendon called the Iliotibial band (IT band) which connects the Ilium (pelvis) the tibia (below the knee). This tendon lies directly over the trochanteric bursa.

Greater Trochanteric Bursitis

Trochanteric Bursitis is the inflammation of the tranteric bursa. During certain activities, the gluteus medius muscle pulls the IT band over the greater trochanter, causing it to rub against the bursa. This movement can result in inflammation or irritation of the bursa, known as bursitis. Most patients find relief from stretching as demonstrated in the middle picture on the left. Treatment options include medication, injections, physical therapy, a shoe lift, and weight loss. If all other treatments fail, surgery may be an option.

Causes

Trochanteric Bursitis is commonly caused by an acute injury such as falling or bumping the hip. It can also be caused by repetitive activities such as twisting or overuse, seen mostly in athletes. Other causes include leg-length inequality, some spinal conditions, previous surgery around the hip, and diseases such as gout, psoriasis, or thyroid disease.

Symptoms

Symptoms include pain on the outside of the hip or thigh, tenderness when pressing on the hip, and pain that worsens during prolonged activities or sitting cross-legged.

Excel Spine

Meet Excel Spine

Dr. Choll Kim graduated cum laude from Harvard Medical School and completed fellowship training in complex spine surgery at the Mayo Clinic. He holds double-board certification from the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the American Board of Spine Surgery. Internationally recognized as an expert... Learn More »

By: Excel Spine
Reviewed By: Choll W. Kim, M.D., PH.D.

Published: Feb 27th, 2025
Last Reviewed: May 5th, 2025

Live More With LESS

Providing you with customized, precision medicine, while treating you like family.

Schedule Consultation

Excel Spine Center

6719 Alvarado Rd, Suite 304
San Diego, CA 92120

Contact Us

(619) 344-6918

chollkim@excelspine.com

Follow Us

Subscribe to Our Monthly Newsletter

Our Services

  • LESS
  • MIS
  • Diagnosis

For Patients

  • Contact Us
  • Testimonials
  • Blog

© 2025 Excel Spine All rights reserved.

  • Notice of Privacy Practice
  • No Surprise Act
  • Patient Rights