Lateral Hip Pain
What is lateral hip pain?
Lateral hip pain or greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS), is a broad term for pain felt on the side of the thigh near the pelvis. The pathology behind this involves changes to the Gluteus Medius tendon known as tendinopathy, and this can then cause changes to the greater trochanteric bursae known as bursitis.
What are the Symptoms?
The symptoms of GTPS, include pain (often a dull ache) around the lateral thigh from the top of the thigh down to the knee and into the buttock. Pain is often worse when standing on the affected leg, climbing stairs/uneven ground or lying on the affected side.
Pain can come on suddenly or gradually over a long period of time.
Why does it happen?
GTPS often occurs secondary to incorrect loading, this may be secondary to a change in pattern of activity like starting a new exercise regime or sitting for unusually large periods of time. When we load a tendon it takes time for the tendon to adapt to the load that has been applied. If we load this tendon to closely together or at significantly higher intensities than what it is able to tolerate, then we start to see negative changes within the tendon and symptoms of pain may start to appear.
What are the Risk Factors?
It is very common in middle aged women, secondary to their wider pelvis (larger angle from lateral hip to knee), hormonal influence, and general physical conditioning.
Other risk factors include being overweight, reduced muscle strength in certain hip musculature, loading errors and certain types of hip anatomy.
What are the treatment options?
Research has identified several treatment modalities that may be of benefit to those suffering from GTPS.
These include physiotherapy education strategies around decompressive advice, load management education, dry needling and a rehabilitation program. There is also some advice regarding short term outcomes of cortisone injections.
In a recent study by the British Journal of Sports Medicine, physiotherapy modalities of education regarding load management and a rehabilitation program proved to have better results than cortisone injection or the ‘wait and see’ approach at both 8 weeks and 1 year. Furthermore, both the Cortisone intervention and the education + rehabilitation program intervention yielded better results for the patients than the wait and see approach.
What should I do if I have lateral hip pain?
Make an appointment to see your physiotherapist who can accurately diagnose your symptoms and guide you on your recovery pathway. They will advise whether physiotherapy solely or in conjunction with a review from your GP will be your best treatment pathway.
So if you would like to see a physiotherapist experienced with GTPS, click the link above and make a booking! No referral required!
Written By
Alanna Hickey
Physiotherapist & Owner of KPPC