• April 05, 2023
• By TJICLondon

Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS)/Trochanteric Bursitis

Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS)/Trochanteric Bursitis

Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS) also known as trochanteric bursitis is a condition that affects the lateral (outer) hip region, typically causing pain and discomfort. It is a common complaint among both athletes and sedentary individuals, and can significantly impact daily activities and quality of life.

Patients with GTPS usually report pain in the lateral hip region, which can radiate down the outer thigh and into the knee. The pain can be sharp, dull, or achy, and may worsen with activity, particularly when walking or climbing stairs. Patients may also experience tenderness to touch over the greater trochanteric region and may have difficulty lying on the affected side, which can frequently cause issues with sleep.

The pain is typically caused by irritation and overload of the tendons, inflammation of the bursae, or muscles that attach to the greater trochanter of the femur. This can occur due to overuse, trauma, or degenerative changes, among other factors.

The diagnosis of GTPS is usually made based on the patient’s history and physical examination findings of localised pain and tenderness in the lateral hip region. Imaging studies, such as X-rays, ultrasound or MRI, may also be used to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions that can cause hip pain.

During the physical examination, the doctor will assess the patient’s gait, hip range of motion, and strength. They may also perform specific tests, such as the single leg stance test to identify the source of the pain and rule out other conditions such as hip osteoarthritis or lumbar spine pathology.

The treatment of GTPS usually involves a combination of conservative measures and, in very rare cases, surgical intervention.

Conservative treatments may include:

• Rest and activity modification: Patients should avoid activities that aggravate the pain and modify their daily activities to reduce stress on the affected hip.
• Physiotherapy: Exercises to improve hip strength and flexibility, as well as manual therapy techniques to reduce pain and inflammation, may be beneficial.
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): These medications can help reduce pain and inflammation.
• Corticosteroid injections: Injections of corticosteroids into the greater trochanteric region can help reduce pain and inflammation.
• Shockwave therapy: This treatment involves the use of high-energy sound waves to stimulate healing and reduce sensitivity in the affected area.
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections: PRP is a treatment that involves injecting a patient’s own blood, which has been processed to concentrate the platelets, into the affected area. The platelets release growth factors that can help stimulate healing and reduce inflammation.

Surgical intervention may be necessary in extreme cases where conservative measures are unsuccessful or if the patient has significant structural abnormalities that are contributing to the pain.

If you would like to book a rapid-access appointment at either our Golders Green or Chelsea clinic locations then please call 0208 0046659, visit www.thejointinjectionclinic.com or email [email protected] for further information.