Trochanteritis

The trochanteritis is a disorder that affects the hip area, with pain as the main symptom. It occurs when inflammation occurs in the area where the muscles are attached to the femur. Although it can occur in people of both genders, it is more common in women, especially between 40 and 60 years of age.

One of the most common causes is inflammation of the bursa , a sac with synovial fluid whose main function is to cushion blows and friction between tendons, muscle and bone.

What is trochanteritis?

It is known as trochanteritis to the inflammation of the area in which the muscles are inserted in the femur . The hip joint is located between the head of the femur and the pelvis. Thus, the greater trochanter of the femur serves as an insertion point for the muscles in this area of ​​the body. Around it are a series of pockets, called deep trochanter and superficial trochanter; They are responsible for protecting the joint itself, as well as the ligaments and tendons.

On certain occasions, due to the friction exerted by the iliotibial band against the greater trochanter of the femur, the bag around it becomes inflamed, thus giving rise to the symptoms of hip trochanteritis.

When this disorder arises, the volume of fluid inside the bags increases their size, thus increasing the inflammation in the area.

Causes of trochanteritis

The direct cause of this disease can be a trauma, as well as a fall or a blow that affects this area. In some cases, hip surgery can lead to trochanteritis; it usually occurs when infectious problems arise in the bones.

Another possible cause is constant, repetitive movements of the IT band. Usually in these cases trochanteritis is due to an incorrect position of the pelvis.

Diseases

There are a number of medical disorders that can cause hip trochanteritis.

• Rheumatoid arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis is a form of arthritis that causes great pain, as well as inflammation, stiffness, and loss of function in the joints. In general, it is more common in women than in men, especially after 50 years. One of the most common symptoms is difficulty moving the joint, especially first thing in the morning. In addition, the affected area is swollen, red, and warm.
• Gout: Gout is a common form of arthritis that occurs when uric acid builds up in the blood. The most common symptoms are: swelling, redness, warmth, and stiffness in the joints.
• Diabetes : diabetes is a disease characterized by very high blood glucose levels. In type 1 diabetes, the body is unable to produce insulin. As for type 2 diabetes, the body does not produce or use insulin in the proper way.

Symptoms of trochanteritis

Regarding the symptoms of trochanteritis, the one that recurs in the vast majority of cases is pain , which occurs continuously and, in addition, with great intensity.

This pain occurs in the lateral area of ​​the leg and can be intensified when performing certain actions, such as getting up from the chair or lying on the side. It is common for patients with trochanteritis to be unable to sleep adequately.

Pain is usually one- sided ; in the most severe cases, it radiates down the side of the leg. Although bilateral trochanteritis, which affects both hips, can occur, it is very rare.

Another of the symptoms of this disorder is inflammation in the area, which is especially visible when performing certain movements. In addition, there is always pain on palpation in the area.

Treatment for trochanteritis

Once the diagnosis is established, the doctor determines the most appropriate treatment for trochanteritis. We can classify it into two large groups: non-surgical and surgical .

Non-surgical treatment

In the vast majority of cases, trochanteritis is not serious, so it is not necessary to intervene in patients. In these cases it is recommended to apply ice to the affected area for two or three days to reduce inflammation.

In addition, the doctor may prescribe the taking of anti-inflammatory medications such as Ibuprofen or Naproxen to relieve both the pain and inflammation of this disorder.

As we have pointed out, the pain of trochanteritis worsens when the individual lies on their side, a very common position at bedtime; thus, when you go to bed it is recommended to place a pillow between your legs.

If the patient is overweight, it is recommended to lead a healthy lifestyle, with proper nutrition and frequent physical exercise.

In some cases, stretching and postural exercises help to regain the optimal position of the pelvis.

Surgical treatment

In the most serious cases, the doctor may determine that the most appropriate thing is to intervene to extract fluid from the bursa and make infiltrations of anesthetics and corticosteroids (especially if there is bursitis ).

If none of the previous treatments have been successful, the bursa is removed by an operation.

Risk factors for trochanteritis

There are a number of factors that greatly increase the risk of suffering from this disease.

• Hip injuries , which are more common in the elderly.
• Some diseases such as scoliosis or lumbar vertebral arthritis increase the chances of suffering trochanteritis.
• This disease is more common in those who have undergone hip surgeries since the prostheses can cause irritation in the joints.
• Being overweight is another risk factor.
• And finally, trochanteritis can also be due to excessive physical activity.

How to prevent trochanteric bursitis?

There is no 100% foolproof method to prevent this disease. However, there are a number of measures that can be of great help to prevent it, or at least prevent the symptoms from worsening.

• It is not advisable to perform physical activities that strain the hips in any way.
• It is advisable to avoid repetitive physical activities . There are certain exercises that are contraindicated .
• Regular physical exercise is recommended to maintain both muscle strength and flexibility, as well as joint health. The most important thing is to keep an active visa rhythm, avoiding sedentary lifestyle.
• If there is dismetria in the lower limbs, it is advisable to use templates to compensate for the difference between both legs.
• As we have pointed out, physical exercise is a risk factor for trochanteritis. Therefore, it is advisable to complement physical exercise with a healthy eating plan.

Best home remedies for trochanteritis

Here are some of the best home remedies to alleviate the symptoms of the disease.

Lavender oil

Lavender oil is very effective in minimizing the signs that this disorder generates. Applying this remedy is very simple. Simply fill a bathtub with warm water and add a few drops of lavender oil. The feeling of well-being and relief is practically instantaneous.

Ginger

The ginger is one of the best home remedies to reduce inflammation and pain caused by trochanteritis . There are two ways to enjoy the benefits and properties of ginger.

The first one is to consume a ginger tea daily, in the morning and at night. And the second is to create a paste based on ginger root and water; in this case, it is applied to the affected area to relieve inflammation and is left to act for 15 minutes.

Apple vinager

Apple cider vinegar is very effective for trochanteritis. The ideal is to combine it with honey to enhance its effect .

It is enough to mix four tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, half a tablespoon of honey and a glass of water. All the ingredients are mixed well. Then, a compress is soaked with the remedy and applied directly to the affected area.

It is important to note that these home remedies do not cure the disease, although they are of great help to alleviate its own symptoms.