Overview
Greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS) is a common cause of pain on the outside of the hip. It involves irritation or degeneration of the tendons of the gluteus medius and gluteus minimus near the greater trochanter, and sometimes nearby bursa inflammation. Because these tendons help stabilize your pelvis during walking, problems in this area can lead to pain with movement and a feeling of weakness or imbalance. Symptoms can persist when the load placed on the hip repeatedly exceeds what the tendons can comfortably tolerate.
Symptoms
Pain is usually felt on the outer side of the hip and may spread toward the outer thigh. It often worsens when lying on that side, climbing stairs, getting in and out of a car, or walking for longer distances. Many people notice tenderness when pressing the outside of the hip and may develop a limp or difficulty with side-to-side movements. Some patients also feel stiffness in the hip or a reduced ability to perform sports and activities that involve hip movement or prolonged standing.
Causes
GTPS most often develops from repetitive strain and tendon overload, leading to tendon degeneration and painful inflammation around the greater trochanter. It can be triggered or worsened by increased activity, changes in footwear or training, tight hip muscles, or altered hip mechanics. In some cases, direct injury or persistent pressure (for example, sleeping on the affected side) contributes to ongoing irritation.
Risk Factors
Risk is higher in people who increase activity too quickly, spend long periods standing or walking, or have jobs that involve repetitive hip loading. Tight hip muscles, weak hip abductors (gluteal muscles), and decreased hip control can make the tendons take more stress than usual. Age-related tendon changes, obesity, and certain spine or gait patterns that shift load to the outside of the hip can also contribute.
Prevention
You can reduce flare-ups by gradually increasing activity and avoiding sudden spikes in walking, running, or stair climbing. Strengthening the hip abductors and improving hip mobility with a guided exercise program can improve tolerance to load. Using supportive footwear and changing how you move during daily tasks can reduce repeated stress on the outside of the hip. If you sleep on your side, a pillow between the knees or avoiding the painful side can help lessen local pressure.
How the Diagnosis Is Evaluated
Clinicians usually start with a history focused on pain location, aggravating activities, and whether symptoms worsen when lying on the affected side. A physical exam typically includes checking hip range of motion, strength of the gluteal muscles, tenderness over the greater trochanter, and specific tests that reproduce lateral hip pain. Imaging is not always required, but ultrasound or MRI may be used when symptoms persist, when diagnosis is uncertain, or when there is concern for tendon tears, other hip problems, or alternative causes of lateral hip pain.
Nonsurgical Treatment Options
The first-line approach is usually activity modification and a structured physical therapy program focused on hip abductor strengthening, core control, and improving mechanics. Pain relief may include oral anti-inflammatory medications or topical NSAIDs if appropriate for your health history. Many patients benefit from targeted stretching and mobility work, plus education on how to avoid positions or activities that repeatedly overload the outside of the hip. If symptoms do not improve, corticosteroid injections around the tender lateral hip region can reduce inflammation and pain to help you participate in rehab. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections may be considered in select cases after other conservative measures, particularly when tendon irritation is suspected.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Seek prompt medical attention if you have a recent fall or significant trauma, cannot bear weight, or have rapidly worsening pain. Get urgent care if you notice fever, redness or major swelling around the hip, or feel unwell, because infection or other urgent problems must be ruled out. Contact a clinician soon if pain is severe and persistent despite rest and conservative care, or if you develop progressive numbness, new significant weakness, or other neurologic symptoms, including bowel or bladder changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Often you can, but you should modify activities to avoid painful movements and focus on a rehab program that builds hip strength safely.
Many people improve within several weeks with consistent therapy, but persistent cases may take a few months depending on tendon irritation and how well the underlying mechanics are addressed.
A corticosteroid injection can provide significant pain relief, but long-term improvement usually depends on rehabilitation to restore strength and load tolerance.
Next Steps
If your symptoms match typical outside-hip pain with tenderness and activity-related flares, start with activity modification and a targeted hip strengthening program with a clinician or physical therapist. If pain is not improving after several weeks of consistent conservative care, or if you have significant trauma or trouble bearing weight, schedule an in-person evaluation to confirm the diagnosis and guide next treatment steps.