Greater Trochanter Pain Syndrome (formerly known as Greater Trochanteric Bursitis) is discomfort caused by issues in the tissues around the greater trochanter, and it is a common cause of lateral hip pain.
It mainly includes 3 types:
Trochanteric Bursitis: The greater trochanter is a bony part of the femur, located below the pelvis and the top of the outer thigh. The bursa on the greater trochanter acts as a cushion, helping to reduce friction when the gluteus medius tendon and the iliotibial band glide over the greater trochanter during hip joint movements. With repetitive movements of the hip joint, the trochanteric bursa may experience excessive stress, leading to inflammation or thickening and resulting in pain.
Gluteus Medius and Minimus Tendinopathy: The tendons of the gluteus medius and minimus attach to the greater trochanter. Overuse of these muscles can lead to tendonitis or tears, causing pain around the greater trochanter.
Iliotibial Band (IT Band): The proximal part of the IT band is located at the greater trochanter. During hip activities (such as walking or running), the proximal IT band may rub against and compress the greater trochanter. If the IT band is too tight, the bursa, which serves as a cushion between the greater trochanter and the IT band, may become overly compressed and inflamed, or the IT band and nearby tendon structures may be injured.
Causes
Overuse (excessive exercise or prolonged repetitive activities)
Continuous pressure (lying on the side)
Improper posture
Excess body weight
Weak gluteal muscles
Symptoms
Pain on the outer hip
Pain when climbing stairs or bearing weight on one leg
Pain under pressure when lying on the side
Friction or clicking sensation on the outer side of the greater trochanter during walking or running
Feeling of weakness in the gluteal muscles
Tightness on the outer thigh
High-risk individuals
People whose jobs require prolonged standing
Athletes (runners/marathoners)
Long-term side sleepers
Individuals with scoliosis
Treatment
Electromagnetic therapy: Pain relief and anti-inflammatory treatment, strengthening gluteal muscles.
Shockwave therapy: Breaking down calcification in tendons and promoting tendon repair in the hip.
Ultrasound therapy: Deep heating, accelerating the repair of the bursa.
Exercise therapy: Designing systematic rest and training plans, correcting bad habits, and gradually increasing the load tolerance of the gluteal muscles and tendons.
Interferential current therapy: Anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, accelerating blood circulation.
Acupuncture: Relieving muscle tension, relaxing the IT band, and reducing pressure on the bursa.
Potential consequences of not treating early
Thickening and calcification of gluteal muscle tendons
Damage to the iliotibial band
Need for steroid injections
Surgical removal of the bursa
The above content is for reference only. Readers should consult relevant medical personnel, as timely and effective treatment can only be achieved through detailed examination and diagnosis.
@DOCTORFIX CHIROPRACTIC AND PHYSIOTHERAPY CLINIC