Trochanteric bursitis is a common condition that can cause pain on the outside of the hip, which can affect your daily activities and quality of life.¹ Fortunately, commonly available medicines like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are often used to manage this condition effectively.² In this article, we’ll explore trochanteric bursitis and how NSAIDs can help.

What is trochanteric bursitis?

To understand trochanteric bursitis, let’s first break it down:

• Trochanteric refers to the greater trochanter, a part of the thigh bone near your hip¹
• Bursitis means inflammation of the bursa, which are small, fluid-filled sacs that reduce friction between tissues like bones, muscles, and tendons¹

This can happen due to repetitive movements, overuse, injury, or underlying conditions like arthritis.¹

Symptoms of trochanteric bursitis

Trochanteric bursitis often causes:

1. Pain on the outside of the hip that may spread to the thigh or buttock²
2. Pain when lying on the sore side can make sleeping uncomfortablet²
3. Tenderness when pressing on the hip²
4. Pain that worsens with activities, such as climbing stairs, walking, or running²

Treating trochanteric bursitis

Treatment for trochanteric bursitis usually begins with simple steps to ease pain and improve movement.³ Here are common approaches:

• Rest³
• Ice³
• NSAIDs³
• Physiotherapy³

Now, let’s dive deeper into how NSAIDs work in treating this condition.

What are NSAIDs?

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are medications that help reduce pain, inflammation, and fever (4). You may have taken ibuprofen for a headache, or naproxen for period pain are types of NSAIDs.Common NSAIDs include:

• Over-the-counter options: Ibuprofen , naproxen⁴
• Prescription options: Diclofenac, celecoxib, or stronger doses of over-the-counter medicines, prescribed by a doctor⁴

NSAIDs are a go-to choice for managing the pain and inflammation of trochanteric bursitis.^2,3

How do NSAIDs work?

NSAIDs reduce the body’s natural substances that cause swelling and pain.⁵ By reducing these enzymes, NSAIDs help to:

• Lower inflammation in the bursa³
• Relieve pain so you can move more comfortably³

This dual action makes NSAIDs effective for managing the symptoms of trochanteric bursitis.³

Benefits of NSAIDs: pain relief - NSAIDs can significantly reduce hip pain, making daily activities and physical therapy more manageable³

1. Reduced Inflammation - By targeting the inflammation in the bursa, NSAIDs help speed up recovery³
2. Convenience - NSAIDs are available in various forms, including pills, gels, and creams, making them easy to use⁵
3. Non-invasive Option - NSAIDs often help people feel better without needing stronger treatments⁵

Choosing the right NSAID

Your healthcare provider may recommend specific NSAIDs based on your needs.⁶ Here’s a quick comparison of common options:

• Ibuprofen: Works well for mild to moderate pain and is gentle on the stomach when taken as directed⁶
• Naproxen: Longer-lasting than ibuprofen, so you may need fewer doses per day⁶
• Diclofenac Gel: Applied directly to the skin over the affected area, this can be a good option if you prefer to avoid pills, and this option is gentle on the stomach. It is available from pharmacies without a prescription in the UK, but only for short-term use⁶

Always follow your doctor’s advice on which NSAID to use and the correct dosage.

Side effects

While NSAIDs are effective, they can have side effects, especially if used for long periods or in high doses.⁶ Common side effects include:

• NSAIDs can cause stomach upset or kidney problems in some people, especially if used long-term⁶
• Increased bleeding risk: NSAIDs can affect blood clotting⁶
• Heart risks: Some NSAIDs, like diclofenac and celecoxib, may slightly increase the risk of heart problems in certain people⁶

To reduce the risk, take NSAIDs with food and don’t use them for more than a few days unless your doctor says so.

Combination with other treatments

While NSAIDs can provide relief, they work best as part of a broader treatment plan. This may include:

1. Physical Therapy - Strengthening the hip muscles can reduce strain on the bursa and prevent future flare-ups³
2. Lifestyle Changes - Losing weight, wearing proper footwear, and avoiding repetitive hip movements can reduce pressure on the bursa³
3. Steroid Injections - For severe cases, corticosteroid injections may be used on top of NSAIDs to reduce inflammation more directly³
4. Surgical Intervention - Rarely, surgery is required if conservative treatments, including NSAIDs, do not provide relief³

These treatments often work best together, rather than on their own.

When to see a doctor?

See your GP if your hip pain doesn’t improve after a couple of weeks, or if it gets worse. They can assess your condition, recommend additional treatments, or check for other causes of hip pain, like arthritis or tendonitis.

Conclusion

Trochanteric bursitis can be uncomfortable, but the good news is it often improves with simple treatments like NSAIDs and physiotherapy.³ By understanding how NSAIDs work and using them responsibly, you can take an important step toward relief and recovery. Paired with other treatments like physical therapy and lifestyle changes, NSAIDs can help you get back to doing the things you love with less pain and greater comfort.³