Pain on the outside of the hip that flares when you climb stairs, lie on your side, or get up after sitting can wear you down. Gluteal tendinopathy is one of the most common, and most treatable, causes. At Grosvenor Orthopaedic Partners, our London-based specialists diagnose and treat gluteal tendinopathy with precision, using evidence-based care to relieve pain and restore strength.
Whether your symptoms are recent or have troubled you for months, we tailor every treatment plan to your condition and your goals, prioritising the proven combination of education and targeted exercise that the strongest clinical research supports. Explore our approach to gluteal tendinopathy, part of our full range of hip treatment services, and discover how we can help you move comfortably again.
Brief Overview
Gluteal tendinopathy is a condition affecting the tendons of the gluteus medius and gluteus minimus muscles. These are the deep muscles that attach to the bony point on the outside of your hip (the greater trochanter) and keep your pelvis stable when you walk, stand, and climb. When these tendons are overloaded, they become painful and lose their capacity to handle load, causing the hallmark pain on the outer hip.
At Grosvenor Orthopaedic Partners, our specialists use detailed clinical assessment to confirm gluteal tendinopathy and distinguish it from other hip conditions. From education and structured exercise to targeted injections, we craft personalised plans focused on lasting recovery and long-term hip health.
Key Highlights
- Expert diagnosis and treatment of gluteal tendinopathy using evidence-based, non-surgical techniques.
- Gluteal tendinopathy affects the gluteus medius and minimus tendons, which stabilise the pelvis and power hip movement.
- The hallmark symptom is pain over the outer hip that worsens when lying on the affected side, climbing stairs, or rising after sitting.
- MRI and ultrasound confirm the diagnosis and reveal the extent of tendon involvement, which is often missed when pain is labelled simple bursitis.
- A programme of education and targeted exercise is the leading evidence-based treatment, supported by high-quality clinical trials.
Understanding Gluteal Tendinopathy
If you have persistent pain on the outside of your hip that flares when you lie on it at night or tackle a flight of stairs, you may have gluteal tendinopathy. Understanding what this condition involves is the first step towards getting the right treatment and feeling like yourself again.
The gluteus medius and gluteus minimus are deep hip muscles whose tendons attach to the greater trochanter, the bony prominence you can feel on the side of your hip. These tendons work constantly to keep your pelvis level every time you take a step. When they are repeatedly overloaded, or compressed against the bone, the tendon tissue can become painful and less able to tolerate load. For many years this pain was simply called “trochanteric bursitis,” but as research featured in a clinical trial published in PMC confirms, the underlying problem is most often tendinopathy of the gluteal tendons rather than inflammation of the bursa alone.
What Is Gluteal Tendinopathy?
Gluteal tendinopathy is a load-related condition of the gluteus medius and minimus tendons, in which the tendon tissue becomes painful and weakened. It is not primarily an inflammatory problem; rather, it reflects the tendon’s reduced capacity to cope with the demands placed on it, often through a combination of overload and compression where the tendon meets the bone.
You will typically feel a deep ache or sharp pain directly over the bony point on the outside of your hip. It is often at its worst when you lie on the affected side at night, climb stairs, stand on one leg, or get up after a long period of sitting. The pain can spread down the outside of the thigh, and it can make everyday activities, as well as a good night’s sleep, frustratingly difficult.
Specific clinical tests, supported by imaging where needed, allow us to confirm gluteal tendinopathy and gauge its severity. This precision is essential for building a treatment plan that genuinely works for you. For a detailed overview of our approach, visit our hip conditions page.
Symptoms and Causes of Gluteal Tendinopathy
Recognising the symptoms early and understanding what drives gluteal tendinopathy can help you get the right treatment sooner, leading to better outcomes. We emphasise early detection and a thorough understanding of your individual risk factors.
How to Recognise the Symptoms
The symptoms of gluteal tendinopathy can vary in intensity, but there are several common signs to look out for:
- Pain and tenderness directly over the bony point on the outside of the hip (the greater trochanter).
- Pain when lying on the affected side, which often disturbs sleep and is a particularly characteristic feature.
- Discomfort that worsens with climbing stairs, standing on one leg, or rising after prolonged sitting.
- Pain that can radiate down the outside of the thigh, sometimes as far as the knee.
- Stiffness and weakness around the hip that make walking and daily activities more difficult.
Because this pain can be mistaken for arthritis, lower back problems, or simple bursitis, consulting a specialist who can identify the true source is essential. Our specialists prioritise precise assessment so you receive the right diagnosis without unnecessary delay.
What Causes Gluteal Tendinopathy?
Gluteal tendinopathy develops when the load on the gluteal tendons exceeds their capacity to cope. Common contributing factors include:
- Tendon overload: a rapid increase in walking, running, or hill training can overwhelm the tendon’s capacity faster than it can adapt.
- Compression: postures that bring the tendon hard against the bone, such as sitting with crossed legs or standing with the hip dropped to one side, add compressive load.
- Muscle weakness: weak hip-stabilising muscles place greater strain on the tendons during everyday movement.
- Age and hormonal change: the condition is most common in women over 40, with risk rising around and after menopause.
- Biomechanical factors: differences in pelvic alignment, gait, or limb length can concentrate stress on the gluteal tendons.
Imaging from a major clinical trial, reported in PMC, found tendon pathology in around 64% of people with clinically diagnosed gluteal tendinopathy, with tears present in roughly 42%. This underlines how real and measurable the tendon involvement is. Understanding what is driving your symptoms helps us build a plan that addresses the cause, not just the pain.
How Gluteal Tendinopathy Is Diagnosed
Getting an accurate diagnosis is the foundation of effective treatment. At Grosvenor Orthopaedic Partners, we combine a thorough clinical assessment with the right imaging tests to identify your condition precisely and plan the best path forward.
Advanced Imaging and Clinical Assessment
Diagnosis begins with a detailed history and a focused physical examination. Your specialist will check for tenderness over the greater trochanter and perform specific tests, such as standing on one leg or resisted hip movements, that reproduce the characteristic pain and help confirm the tendons are the source.
Ultrasound and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) are the primary tools we use to confirm gluteal tendinopathy. They provide detailed images of the gluteal tendons, allowing our specialists to assess the degree of tendon change, identify any tears, and rule out other causes of hip pain. As the gluteal tendinopathy clinical trial published in PMC describes, a combination of clinical testing and imaging gives the most reliable diagnosis.
When combined with your medical history, these techniques provide a comprehensive picture of your condition. For more information about how we investigate hip pain, visit our understanding hip pain resource.
Your Treatment Options
Choosing the right treatment is key to managing gluteal tendinopathy effectively. At Grosvenor Orthopaedic Partners, we tailor your treatment to the severity of your condition, your symptoms, and your lifestyle goals, leading with the approaches that the best clinical evidence supports.
Education and Exercise: The Evidence-Based First Choice
For the great majority of people with gluteal tendinopathy, a structured programme of education and targeted exercise is the most effective treatment, and the evidence for it is compelling. The landmark LEAP randomised trial compared education and exercise with corticosteroid injection and a “wait and see” approach in 204 people with the condition.
The results were striking. As the LEAP trial reported, around 78% of people who followed an education and load-management programme felt much or very much better after eight weeks. That was significantly more than those who had a corticosteroid injection or simply waited, and the benefits were sustained at one year. A follow-up economic evaluation found this approach also improved quality of life and was cost-effective. Treatment focuses on understanding which activities and postures load the tendon, modifying them, and progressively strengthening the hip muscles so the tendon can once again handle the demands of daily life.
Injections and Additional Support
When pain is severe or slow to settle, additional measures can support your recovery. NSAIDs may help manage pain in the short term, and a corticosteroid injection can provide temporary relief that allows you to engage more fully in your exercise programme. The LEAP evidence shows that injections can ease symptoms quickly but tend to be less effective than education and exercise over the medium and longer term, so we use them thoughtfully and as part of a broader plan rather than as a standalone solution.
For a small number of people whose symptoms persist despite a well-structured course of treatment, particularly where imaging shows a significant tendon tear, surgical options may be considered. At Grosvenor Orthopaedic Partners, our specialists will discuss whether further intervention is appropriate, always prioritising the least invasive effective option for you.
Your Recovery and Next Steps
Recovering from gluteal tendinopathy is a journey, and we are here to support you at every stage. We believe that informed, empowered patients achieve the best outcomes, and with this condition, understanding how to manage tendon load is central to lasting recovery.
Tendons adapt slowly, so progress is measured in weeks and months rather than days. Your programme will progress gradually, from settling the most provocative loads through to building strength and returning to the activities you enjoy. Our physiotherapy team works closely with your specialist to keep your recovery on track and to help you avoid the postures and habits that aggravate the tendon.
We schedule regular follow-ups to assess your progress, refine your exercise programme, and ensure you are getting the results you need. Whether you are self-funding your treatment or using private medical insurance, our team provides transparent guidance throughout. We work with all major insurers and offer clear pricing for self-pay patients. For additional trusted information, the Physiopedia reference on lateral hip pain is a helpful resource to read alongside specialist advice.
Ready to Take the First Step?
At Grosvenor Orthopaedic Partners, we prioritise your journey to recovery, offering tailored treatment that aligns with your specific needs and lifestyle. Through education, targeted rehabilitation, and the latest clinical evidence, we are committed to relieving your pain and restoring your mobility.
Our expert team is dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care. Contact us today to learn how we can support your recovery from gluteal tendinopathy and take the first step towards a pain-free, active life. Visit gop.health to book a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is gluteal tendinopathy?
Gluteal tendinopathy is a painful, load-related condition of the gluteus medius and minimus tendons, which attach to the bony point on the outside of the hip. The tendons become painful and less able to cope with load, causing pain on the outer hip. It was once commonly labelled “trochanteric bursitis,” but tendon problems are usually the main cause.
What are the common symptoms of gluteal tendinopathy?
The hallmark symptom is pain over the outside of the hip that is often worst when lying on that side at night, climbing stairs, standing on one leg, or getting up after sitting. The pain can radiate down the outer thigh and may cause stiffness and weakness around the hip. Disturbed sleep from side-lying pain is particularly characteristic.
How is gluteal tendinopathy diagnosed?
Diagnosis combines a focused clinical examination, including tests that reproduce the pain, with imaging such as ultrasound or MRI to confirm tendon involvement and rule out other causes of hip pain. Learn more on our hip care page.
What treatment options are available at Grosvenor Orthopaedic Partners?
Our first-line treatment is an evidence-based programme of education and targeted exercise, which research shows is the most effective approach for most patients. We may also use NSAIDs or a corticosteroid injection to support rehabilitation, and we consider further options for the small number of cases that do not respond. Every plan is personalised to you.
Why choose Grosvenor Orthopaedic Partners for gluteal tendinopathy treatment?
Our London-based specialists combine advanced diagnostic imaging with evidence-based, non-surgical care and personalised treatment plans. Because lateral hip pain is so often mislabelled, our emphasis on accurate diagnosis ensures you receive the right treatment from the start. Visit gop.health to book a consultation.
