Our hips are unique pieces of machinery when it comes to flexibility. They provide strength and stability while we walk. They can withstand the force of our jump. One of the largest and most powerful joints in the body is the hip joint.

However, the hip can be injured, and we may experience pain as a result.

Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS) is a type of hip pain in which the muscles outside your hip or thigh get irritated. 

According to a Pain Management Clinic, the greater trochanter of the femur is supplemented by the tendons of the medial glute muscle (muscles in the buttocks). Consequently, you may experience pain and stiffness in the tendon, the bone tendon junction, or the fluid-filled pouch called a bursa.

Greater trochanteric pain syndrome was once known as trochanteric bursitis. This pain was thought to be caused by an inflamed bursa (a tiny fluid-filled sac). According to statistics, 1.8 out of 1000 people get lateral hip pain each year.

People with the illness have pain in their lateral thighs that worsens with prolonged stair climbing, sitting, lying over the affected area, or strenuous physical activity.

What Is the Impact of Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome?

According to the most recent research, Greater trochanteric pain syndrome has been most prevalent in the last four to six decades and damages the gluteal tendons and bursa, resulting in significant pain in the buttock muscle.

Trochanteric pain syndrome has a strong relationship with the feminine gender and obesity, according to medical research refer a patient for dealing with epidemics and treatment (epidemiology).

The female gender is more prevalent due to osteoarthritis (hip joint degradation causing pain and stiffness), osteoporosis (poor bone density), and hernia in pregnant women. It is also common in obese people.

What are the signs and symptoms of Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome?

Certain signs and symptoms may indicate that you have gluteal tendinopathy (also known as greater trochanteric pain syndrome):

• Buttock muscles hurt when running, strolling, or standing for lengthy periods.
• When laying on that side, there is more visible stiffness and irritation. The patient may be awakened from sleep if the discomfort reaches a high level.
• Patients with this disease also report that the discomfort reduces their strength and makes them feel weak in their legs.
• The pain may be acute at first, but it may develop into a chronic condition that worsens over time.
• Soreness and bruises can be observed when the affected area is touched.

What are the causes of Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome?

A variety of reasons can cause GTPS. It is more common in women and persons in their middle or later years of life. Causes of GTPS differ from one person to the next, depending on their health. 

The following are the most common and primary causes of worsening trochanteric pain syndrome:

Buttocks Injury

A hip wound or injury followed by a fall, slamming the buttock into an object, a shock on the hip muscle, or prolonged periods of resting on the same side can all create worse trochanteric pain syndrome. Thighbone injuries or tendon rips can make hip pain worse over time.

Also, depending on the underlying pathophysiology of the condition, you can develop GTPS due to muscle overuse. This can be short-term or long-term.

Inappropriate standing position 

A bad standing position, especially while conducting workouts or other physical activity, can cause stiffness and tightness in the buttock muscles, leading to scoliosis (abnormal lateral curvature of the spine), arthritis (joint inflammation), and other spinal problems.

Obesity 

Obese people are more likely to experience trochanteric pain syndrome. Obesity puts strain on the thigh and hip muscles, causing significant buttock pain.

Bursitis of the trochanter

Trochanteric bursitis is an ailment where the trochanteric bursa becomes inflamed. Increased trochanteric discomfort can be exacerbated by it.

According to new research, non-inflammatory gluteus medius tendinopathy is now a leading source of lateral hip and low back discomfort.

The iliotibial band (ITB) is a source of pain and inflammation that develops due to trochanteric impingement and trochanteric bursitis.

The difference in Legs

Since some people have one leg that is larger than the other, more force is exerted on the soft tissues of one leg, causing pain in the buttock joint.

Aside from the explanations listed above, the causes of greater trochanteric pain syndrome are unknown in some uncommon cases, such as when the patient is suffering from other medical conditions concurrently.

Injurious activities

Overuse or injury to the joints due to play or work activities Running, climbing, or standing for lengthy periods are examples of such activities.

Calcium deposit 

Calcium deposits in the tendons that link to the trochanter or hip bone spurs

Surgery 

Hip surgery or prosthetic implants may have been performed previously.

Other diseases or conditions 

Rheumatoid arthritis, gout, psoriasis, thyroid disease, or an unexpected drug reaction are just a few of the possibilities. An infection can cause bursitis in rare situations.

Trochanteric Pain Syndrome Prevention

You can avoid and prevent trochanteric pain syndrome if you take basic precautions. Your buttock muscles grow healthier, stronger, more flexible, and less prone to injuries.

Proper Posture

Greater trochanteric discomfort syndrome can be avoided by standing correctly and maintaining a precise stance when strenuous physical workouts.

Weight loss for greater trochanteric pain syndrome:

Increased body weight places additional strain on your joints. If you’re fat, losing weight is a must. This can assist you in relieving joint pressure.

Repetitive Exercises

Avoid this if your muscles can’t handle repetitive exercises because they stress your hips.

Preventing Jerks and Falls

Always wear rubber-soled shoes and utilize a walker or cane if you have mobility issues. This will give your muscles and joints more flexibility and keep you from developing greater trochanteric pain syndrome.

Greater trochanteric pain syndrome strength exercises

To avoid greater trochanter discomfort syndrome, strengthen your gluteal muscles (particularly the gluteus minimus, which is a hip abductor).

Conclusion 

The initial symptom of a hip ailment is usually pain on the outside of the hip. Greater trochanteric pain syndrome can be challenging to live with because it can obstruct your daily activities.

If you’re searching for a conservative treatment option, physical therapy is a fantastic place to start. 

To reduce your chances of having lateral hip discomfort, avoid any risk factors listed above. It is critical to seek primary care and visit an experienced orthopedic if it worsens.