Therapy
The treatment must be designed to be dependent on the cause. In case of inflammation, medication can support the healing process.In the best case the therapy consists of painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs and physiotherapy. The inflammation-related pain syndrome at the greater trochanter must be treated primarily with conservative medication, while the bursitis often heals spontaneously on its own.
For painkillers, the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) with few side effects are recommended. These have an additional anti-inflammatory effect. The main representatives of this group of drugs are ibuprofen and diclofenac.
Anti-inflammatory drugs allow the inflammation to heal more quickly and are usually also taken in tablet form; rarely does the drug have to be injected directly into the affected area. The main anti-inflammatory agent is cortisone. The cause of the inflammation at the greater trochanter is not always obvious.
However, if it is caused by bacteria, antibiotic treatment must be given to prevent future inflammation. Physiotherapy can be performed after the pain has decreased in order to train the mobility of the hip joint and to counteract complications such as muscle atrophy. Mechanical causes, for example injuries to the bone, sometimes have to be eliminated by surgical treatment.
Overall, surgery on the greater trochanter is rarely necessary. Surgical therapy may become necessary if conservative options fail. In the case of musculoskeletal problems in the area of the hip joint, immobilization and healing must first take place so that normal mobility can be restored through physiotherapy.
In case of bursitis in the area of the greater trochanter, certain therapeutic exercises can also be performed at home. Initially, the pain should have been largely reduced by previous therapy, so that movements in the hip can be performed without complications. The exercises are aimed at stretching and strengthening the so-called “tractus iliotibialis“, which runs along the outside of the thigh up to the knee.
To do this, one can lie down on the floor at the side, with the sick side facing upwards, and then lift the stretched, diseased leg. This position should be held for a few seconds. The whole procedure can be repeated several times with short pauses.
An exertion is quickly felt in the upper, outer thigh. The lifting of the legs can also be repeated lying on the stomach and back, which strengthens the hip muscles all around. To stretch the tractus iliotibialis, lean against a wall at the side to maintain balance and cross your legs so that you feel the stretch in the outer thigh.
Many other exercises can be performed with aids. In the best case, these are performed under the guidance of an orthopedic surgeon or physiotherapist. Under no circumstances should the exercises be performed in pain.
