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Greater trochanteric pain syndrome

Greater trochanteric pain syndrome



Overview

This information is useful for those who have been diagnosed with greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS). People who are experiencing new or ongoing symptoms should contact a healthcare professional for assessment and diagnosis.

Greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS), also known as lateral hip pain or trochanteric bursitis, is a common and painful condition which affects the outer side of the hip and thigh. It occurs when the tissues which lie over the outside of the hip bone (greater trochanter) become irritated.

The soft tissues that attach to the outside of the hip include tendons and bursa. When these become overloaded they are the primary sources of pain caused by GTPS.

It’s more common in females and in those aged between 40 and 60 years old but can affect any age.

Symptoms

These can vary from person to person.

People may experience some or all of these symptoms including:

Pain in the hip/thigh/buttock area.

Worse pain when lying on your side or with direct pressure.

Pain increasing with exercise such as periods of walking, standing or running.

Tenderness to touch.

Pain sitting with your legs crossed.

Pain when standing on the affected leg (sometimes called hanging on the hip)

Pain when climbing stairs

Pain when lifting legs in/out a car or bed

Causes

Often it can occur for no apparent reason but these are some factors which appear to contribute to it:

a sudden increased load on your hip

a change to your activity levels such as increased walking distances or pace

increased pressure to your hip area through sitting or standing in one position for too long or weight bearing on one leg

reduced strength and flexibility of the muscles around the hip and buttock

having a sedentary, inactive lifestyle or being overweight

an injury such as a fall on to the side of your hip area

hormone changes may also influence this condition

this can also be related to osteoarthritis of the hips and knees or low back pain

DIAGNOSIS

A diagnosis of greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS) is primarily made through a clinical evaluation, which includes a detailed patient history and physical examination, focusing on tenderness and pain around the greater trochanter of the hip, especially when performing specific movements like hip abduction and external rotation; imaging like X-rays, ultrasound, or MRI may be used to rule out other potential causes of hip pain, but are not usually necessary for diagnosis in typical cases of GTPS. 

Treatment

Treatment for greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS) typically involves conservative measures like rest, ice packs, over-the-counter pain medication (NSAIDs), activity modification, and physical therapy with targeted exercises to strengthen the hip muscles, especially the gluteal group; in persistent cases, a corticosteroid injection may be considered, while surgery is usually reserved for severe, unresponsive cases only. 

Rest and Activity Modification:

Avoiding activities that aggravate pain, like prolonged standing or sitting on one leg, and modifying daily activities to reduce stress on the hip joint are crucial. 

Ice Therapy:

Applying ice packs to the affected area for 20 minutes several times a day can help reduce inflammation and pain. 

Pain Medication:

Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen can help manage pain. 

Physical Therapy:

A physical therapist can design a personalized exercise program including stretches and strengthening exercises for the hip muscles to improve flexibility and stability. 

Weight Management:

If overweight, losing weight can significantly reduce pressure on the hip joint and alleviate pain. 

Corticosteroid Injection:

In cases where conservative treatment isn't sufficient, a corticosteroid injection directly into the greater trochanteric bursa can provide temporary pain relief. 

Important considerations:

Identifying Triggering Activities:

Identifying specific activities that worsen pain is key to managing GTPS effectively. 

Gradual Progression:

Slowly increase the intensity and duration of exercises to avoid re-injury. 

Proper Footwear:

Wearing supportive shoes with good cushioning can help reduce stress on the hip. 

Consult a Healthcare Professional:

If you suspect GTPS, consult your doctor to receive a proper diagnosis and discuss the best treatment plan for your specific case. 

Type of Doctor Department :An orthopedic doctor 

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