Diagnosis | Inflammation of trochanter major – How dangerous is that?

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of suspected inflammation of the greater trochanteric region is divided into several sections. A description of the symptoms during a doctor-patient consultation (anamnesis) can provide an initial indication of the underlying disease. Further diagnosis of an inflammation of the greater trochanter is carried out using imaging techniques (e.g. X-ray and magnetic resonance imaging).

Therapy

Inflammation of the greater trochanter, which is caused by an impairment of the tendons, can usually be treated with pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g. ibuprofen). In addition, physiotherapy and physical measures can help to relieve the symptoms in the long term. However, if the tendon inflammation is particularly pronounced, surgical treatment must often be initiated.

If an impairment of the bursae is responsible for the inflammation at the greater trochanter, the exact cause must be determined before initiating suitable therapy. In the case of an underlying bacterial infection, antibiotic treatment can be started after determining the responsible pathogen. Most of the affected patients respond very well to this therapeutic measure and are free of symptoms after a relatively short time.

Overload-induced bursitis, on the other hand, often has to be sedated for a longer period of time. Only when the joint is no longer under stress can the inflammatory processes subside and healing begin. In rare cases, however, both antibiotic treatment and immobilization of the hip joint are unsuccessful.

Surgical treatment of the inflammation of the greater trochanteric region must then be considered for the affected patients. Pain in the hip is not uncommon. In addition to degenerative processes, it is mainly incorrect and excessive strain and minor injuries that cause and promote inflammatory processes in the greater trochanteric region.

While in acute phases of inflammation, the focus is on protecting the hip and taking anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving medication, e.g. ibuprofen and diclofenac, gentle stretching exercises can promote healing once the acute pain has subsided. This is particularly important for runners, as they are particularly often affected by tendonitis and bursitis in this area. Here it is particularly important to ensure that the hip muscles are well stretched.This minimizes the risk of incorrect or overloading.

Below are some exercises that are suitable for stretching the hips and can be easily performed in everyday life. However, these do not replace a professional doctor or physiotherapist. In the case of acute inflammation and severe pain, the exercises should only be performed according to professional instructions in order to avoid damage caused by an incorrect sequence of movements.

Example exercises for hip stretching:

• Stretching of the gluteal muscles: The starting position of this exercise is the supine position. Now pull the bent right leg to the chest. With your right hand you grasp the right knee.

  The left hand grasps the right calf. Now pull the leg to the left shoulder until you feel a stretching stimulus. Do not stretch, however, if you feel strong pain!

  Make sure that the knee remains unloaded. Hold this position for at least 30 seconds. Then change sides.

• Variations for stretching the hip flexors: For the first exercise, place yourself in a firm stand.

  Now pull one heel towards your buttocks. Make sure that the heel does not touch the buttocks. Grab the heel with your equilateral hand and hold the position.

  When you are standing stable, push your pelvis forward until you feel a stretching stimulus. The abdomen is firmly tensed. Hold the position for 30 seconds and then change sides.

  For the second exercise, stand in a wide step position. Make sure your back is straight and your torso is firm. Then support yourself with both hands on the front leg.

  Avoid a hollow back! Now push the pelvis forward again until you feel a stretching stimulus. Stay in this position for another 30 seconds. Now change sides.