Gluteal Tendinopathy - Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

Gluteal tendinopathy is a common cause of pain on the outside (lateral) hip.

It  may affects those who take part in high impact activities. For instance, those that play sports such as, netball, volleyball, and running. However, one of the most common groups of people affected by gluteal tendinopathy are women aged 50.  Often the pain presents gradually over time and not related to one specific activity.. Symptoms usually present as severe to moderate hip pain, around the gluteal tendon.

What is gluteal tendinopathy?

Gluteal tendinopathy is a disorder that can cause the gluteal tendon tissue to deteriorate and break down over time.  Pain is usually felt on the outside of the hip, particularly when there is pressure on this area such as lying on your side.  As the pain worsens, it may also radiate down the outside of the leg.

Is gluteal tendinopathy and gluteal tendinitis the same thing?

Yes. Gluteal tendinopathy was previously referred to as gluteal tendinitis.  The word “tendinitis” indicates there is inflammation of the tendon and there is controversy whether this is actually the case.  For this reason, as more was learnt about our tendons the terminology was changed to “tendinopathy” referring to a pathology in the tendon but not specifically inflammation. Gluteal tendinopathy was also previous referred to as Trochanteric Bursitis, however it is thought that the bursa becomes inflammed secondary to the Gluteal tendinopathy and is not a condition that occurs on it’s own.

Symptoms of gluteal tendinopathy

Gluteal tendinopathy presents as pain on the outside of your hip. You can normally locate the area of pain quite easily. Pain may spread from your hip down your outer leg, stopping at your knee.. This pain is usually moderate to severe and does not go unnoticed.

If you are unsure if you have gluteal tendinopathy symptoms - try doing activities such as, climbing stairs, or standing on one leg, as this puts weight on the afflicted tendon. If you experience this deep throbbing pain, it is possible you have gluteal tendinopathy, but it is best practice to seek a professional opinion such as a doctor or physiotherapist for an accurate diagnosis.

Other symptoms of gluteal tendinopathy may include: 

• Pain when sitting for long periods of time.
• Experiencing pain when lying on one side.
• Pain when sitting crossed legged
• Pain when standing hip shot
• Pain when performing gluteal stretches

Causes of gluteal tendinopathy

There can be many causes of gluteal tendinopathy, but the most common and prominent cause is constantly exerting too much pressure upon the tendon. This may occur due to activities such as  running and high-impact sports players.

On the flip side as well as overuse of the tendon, underuse can also have an impact. People who live a more sedentary lifestyle may slowly lose strength in their hip musculature and everyday activities start to become fatiguing for the gluteal tendons.

Other contributing factors may include:

• Compression of the tendon due to an injury, such as taking a fall and landing on your hip.
• Obesity or extreme weight gain, as it exerts excess pressure.
• Genetic predisposition such as having a wide pelvis or hip instability.
• Hormonal influences, as may occur during menopause and peri-menopause
• Certain medications

Treatment for gluteal tendinopathy

Physiotherapy treatment can be advantageous in some cases to help heal gluteal tendinopathy. 50% of people may be able to recover without treatment, however, the recovery could take up to a year.  Strengthing the gluteal muscles and increasing the tendon’s tolerance of load is essential.

Professional physiotherapy treatment usually takes at least 12 weeks, however improvement in symptoms should be felt within 4-6 weeks.  . With a treatment plan that is unique to you and your needs, your pain can be targeted and managed in the most effective way. 

Things you can do at home to also help manage your symptoms are:

• Be aware of postures that may increase compression of the gluteal tendons. This may include sleeping on your side, sitting with crossed-legs, standing hip shot and some glut stretches and exercises
• Modify your activity to avoid aggravating activities and reduce tendon load 

Preventing gluteal tendinopathy

Here are a few key tips that you could try to help prevent gluteal tendinopathy: 

• Stay away from constant repetitive movement. An hour on the stair master might not be for you.
• Strength and conditioning programs that address any deficiencies tostrength in the gluteus.
• Keep active but don’t overdo it, practice physical activity in moderation.
• Sleeping on a soft surface (mattress topper) and with a pillow between your legs

Outlook & recovery timeline for gluteal tendinopathy

When left untreated, gluteal tendinopathy can have a real negative impact on your life. Your ability to complete physical tasks and activities are hindered. Gluteal tendinopathy can also affect your sleeping patterns, keeping you awake at night, resulting in additional conditions such as fatigue.

Instead of waiting a year for your gluteal tendinopathy to heal on its own, seek help with professional physiotherapy to decrease the time of your recovery significantly. Book an appointment with us at NQ Physio Solutions in Townsville, and get the relief that you have been wishing for.