What is Gluteal Tendinopathy?
The gluteal muscles form into tendons before attaching to the greater trochanter (a bony prominence) at the side of your hip. If there is too much load exerted on any of these tendons, they can become injured and irritated causing a Gluteal Tendinopathy.
Symptoms of Gluteal Tendinopathy
- Pain that occurs at the side of the hip
- Pain can refer down the side of the leg
- Constant ache
- Tenderness when touching the affected area
- Laying on the affected hip is often painful
- It is often worse in the morning
- Pain may get worse while using the tendon, e.g. running, hopping or ascending stairs
- irritated after prolonged sitting or crossing legs
What causes Gluteal Tendinopathy?
The role of the gluteal tendons is to transfer the gluteal muscle forces to the hip and pelvis for everyday movement. However, once the tendon becomes painful, the tendons ability to cope decreases.
The cause of gluteal tendinopathy is often specific to each individual’s movement habits. Commonly it is due to:
- Reduced strength of hip muscles
- Repetitive compression of the area
- Sudden changes in activity or intensity and frequency of exercise
How is Gluteal Tendinopathy Treated?
General care often includes rest, ice and anti-inflammatory medication or creams. Manual therapy is utilised to decrease muscular tension in the calf, thigh and hips as well as improving joint motion in the ankle, knee and hip.
Modifications, such as sleeping with a pillow between your legs can reduce the pain. Progressive loading and strengthening exercises which are specific to each individual patient, are used to improve the strength of the tendon and prevent aggravations.
It is common for rehabilitation to take a minimum of 6 to 12 weeks. It is a condition where the longer you have suffered with the injury, the longer it takes to heal. If you identify with any of the mentioned symptoms please book an appointment with our qualified Osteopaths who can provide appropriate treatment.
Written by: Dr. Ashvin Sangha (Osteopath )