How dangerous is an inflammation of the Trochater Major?
Inflammation of the greater trochanter is usually caused by inflammation of the tendons and bursa in this area. This can usually be treated well with anti-inflammatory painkillers, physiotherapy and physical therapy and heals quickly. Surgery is only necessary if the pain is very severe.
Persons suffering from an inflammation in the hip will notice stabbing or pulling pain in the hip area right at the beginning of the disease. Under certain circumstances, this pain can radiate into the lower, lateral thigh. If the inflammatory processes are not very pronounced, the pain is mainly provoked by movements of the hip joint.
The reason for this is the fact that when the hip is moved, friction occurs between the individual parts of the joint and the creation of tension in the area of the tendons. Especially when bending and stretching the hip joint during walking, the typical symptoms of an inflammation of the greater trochanter can be provoked. A pronounced inflammation of the greater trochanter can cause severe pain even at rest.
Significant overheating of the skin surface of the upper, lateral thigh is also one of the typical symptoms of an inflammation of the greater trochanter. In addition, redness occurring in this area may indicate an inflammatory change. In addition, the normal range of motion in the presence of an inflammation of the greater trochanter is significantly restricted.
During the physical examination, pain can be provoked by tapping the trochanter.The greater trochanter is a large, palpable bony prominence on the outside of the thigh, which serves as a starting point for the tendons of various muscles. Various diseases and conditions can cause pain in the hip in the area of the greater trochanter. One possible cause is tendon inflammation, so-called “insertion tendinopathies”.
Strictly speaking, these are tendon insertion tendinitis. The greater trochanter serves a total of 5 muscles as the attachment surface. These include the musculus gluteus medius and minimus, the musculus piriformis, the musculus obturator internus and finally the musculi gemelli.
Inflammation in the area of the tendon attachments of these muscles can lead to a stabbing pain in the hip, which mainly projects onto the outside of the thigh. In addition, redness and swelling in this area may be seen less frequently. In most cases, the tendon of the Musculus gluteus medius is affected.
Slightly less frequently, the tendon irritation affects the Musculus gluteus minimus. Degenerative processes or small injuries in the tendon area can also cause a stabbing pain here. Another cause of pain in the greater trochanteric region is bursitis.
There are three bursae in the greater trochanter, which act as a kind of “cushion” between the muscles and the bone surface. They distribute pressure and friction evenly to the surrounding tendons, muscles and bones, so that smooth movements are possible. Inflammation of the bursae is usually painful and can be caused by incorrect or excessive strain on the hip or by injuries.
Another cause of pain in the greater trochanteric region is the so-called “snapping hip” (coxa saltans). The greater trochanter has a fibrous tract called the iliotibial tract. Parts of this fibrous tract can glide over the greater trochanter at too small a distance, so that it virtually gets stuck during movements. In addition to occasional pain, a clearly audible and palpable snapping at the hip can be heard. Pain occurs particularly when there is further irritation or inflammation in this area.
