Lateral Hip Pain (GTPS)

What is it?

• Greater trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS) affects the structures on the outside of the hip such as the gluteus muscles, tendons and bursa (fluid filled sac that helps reduce friction of the tendon over the hip bone).

• When these structures become irritated (generally from overuse), it can cause pain to the outside of the hip. 

Typical Symptoms/features:

• Pain on the outside of the hip which may radiate towards the knee.

• Pain when lying on either side in bed.

• Pain with crossing legs, getting out of a car or climbing stairs.

• Pain with pressure onto the outside of the hip.

Management:

• Activity Modification. 

- Try to avoid sitting cross-legged.

- Use a pillow between your knees to sleep at night.

- When you first start noticing hip pain, it may help to reduce your activity for a short amount of time to allow the pain to settle. 

• Pain relief.

• Ice or heat.

• Physiotherapy including range of movement exercises and a graded strengthening programme.

• In cases with severe and/or prolonged symptoms, other options such as shockwave therapy or a steroid injection may need to be explored in addition to physiotherapy.

Do I need imaging?

• Imaging (X-rays or scans) is rarely required to diagnose pain on the outside of the hip 

• Many people, even without hip pain, will have findings on imaging such as joint space changes, and osteoarthritic changes.  

• These findings are unlikely to change how your hip pain is initially managed.  

• X-rays and scans are most appropriately used after a serious injury.