Overview
A bursa is a closed fluid-filled sac that functions as a gliding surface to reduce friction between tissues o f the body. There are two major bursae of the hip, the trochanteric bursa and the ischia bursa. Inflammation of either can be associated with stiffness and pain around the hip joint. The trochanteric bursa is located on the side of the hip. it is separated significantly from the actual hip joint by tissue and bone.
Causes
Trauma to soft tissue
Strain injury
Infection (rare)
Gout/pseudo gout
Symptoms
Tenderness of the outer hip
Difficulty lying on the side
Dull, burning pain on the outer hip that is worsened by excessive walking or stair climbing
Dull pain in the upper buttock area that is worsened by climbing uphill
Pain from prolonged sitting on hard surfaces
Diagnosis
Physical examination and medical history consultation
Anesthetic injection
X-rays
Treatment
Aspiration of the bursa fluid
Cortisone injection
Weight loss
Physical therapy
Orthotics
Activity modification
Antibiotic therapy (if caused by infection)