Everything You Need to Know About Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome

Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS) refers to a group of conditions causing pain on the outer side of the hip, often involving inflammation of the greater trochanteric bursa, iliotibial band syndrome, and tendinopathy of the hip abductors. If you’ve been struggling with hip pain, understanding the causes, diagnosis, and treatment options for GTPS can help you find relief and get back to an active lifestyle.

What Causes Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome?

GTPS is primarily associated with overuse and biomechanical imbalances in the hip. The gluteus medius and minimus muscles, which are key for stabilizing the hip, are often involved in this condition. Weakness in these muscles can lead to compensatory movement patterns that strain the surrounding tissues, including the iliotibial band and greater trochanteric bursa.

Other common contributors to GTPS include:

Iliotibial Band Syndrome: Tightness in the iliotibial band (ITB), often caused by overuse or leg length discrepancies, can create excessive pressure on the greater trochanter.
Leg Length Discrepancy: One of the common underlying factors in GTPS, leg length discrepancy can lead to altered walking mechanics and increased stress on the hip.
Dysfunctional Breathing: Poor breathing mechanics can contribute to tension in the muscles surrounding the pelvis and hips, exacerbating GTPS symptoms.

Signs and Symptoms of GTPS

If you’re experiencing lateral hip pain, discomfort in the buttocks, or pain extending down the outer thigh, you may be dealing with GTPS. Key symptoms include:

Pain when sitting for prolonged periods (especially with crossed legs)
Pain with climbing stairs or running
Pain that worsens at night or when lying on the affected side
Tenderness over the greater trochanter or hip abductors

In some cases, patients also report symptoms that mimic other conditions like femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) or frozen shoulder. It’s important to differentiate between these conditions for effective treatment.

How is Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome Diagnosed?

Diagnosis of GTPS typically begins with a thorough physical examination, including tests like the Trendelenburg sign to assess hip abductor weakness. Your physician may also perform tests to rule out other conditions, including:

The FABER test: Helps differentiate between hip and sacroiliac joint problems.
The Thomas test: Identifies psoas muscle tightness that can contribute to GTPS.
Imaging: While X-rays may be used to rule out other causes of pain like fractures, MRI is often the gold standard for confirming tendon tears or inflammation associated with GTPS.

Treatment Options for Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome

Treatment for GTPS often involves a combination of conservative methods aimed at restoring hip function and addressing biomechanical imbalances. Effective treatments include:

Physical Therapy: Strengthening the hip abductors and correcting postural abnormalities are crucial. Patients with adductor muscle strain or glenohumeral internal rotation deficit (GIRD) may benefit from tailored rehab exercises.
Pain Management: Anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroid injections, or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections can offer short-term relief for pain and inflammation.
Shockwave Therapy: Focused shockwave therapy can stimulate healing in tendon tissues and reduce pain in chronic cases of GTPS.
Foot Orthotics: For those with leg length discrepancy or foot hyperpronation, custom foot orthotics can help reduce stress on the hips.
Iliotibial Band Stretching: Targeted stretching and myofascial release techniques can help alleviate tightness in the ITB, reducing lateral hip compression.

Preventing Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome

Preventing GTPS involves addressing the root causes of hip discomfort and taking steps to avoid future injury. Recommendations include:

Correcting Posture: Avoid slouching or tilting the pelvis to one side. Proper alignment is essential, especially for those with thoracic segmental joint dysfunction.
Exercise Modifications: Avoid running on banked surfaces or slippery areas, and incorporate cross-training activities like swimming or cycling to reduce the risk of overuse injuries.
Leg Length Compensation: For individuals with leg length discrepancy, using a heel lift or custom orthotics can alleviate excess pressure on the hips.

If your symptoms persist despite conservative care, or if you experience a sudden increase in pain or mobility issues, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider. Referring physicians may recommend further imaging or specialist referrals, particularly for conditions like axillary neuropathy or more severe tendon tears.

NEW PATIENTS

Step 1

Call today to schedule your convenient appointment.

Step 2

Pre-register your important health information on your phone or computer to save time.

Step 3

Meet your new doctor for a customized plan and start moving toward your goal!

Discover how we may help!

We are the Memphis area’s top-rated chiropractic group, providing you with gentle chiropractic care, dry needle therapy, exercise therapy, and therapeutic massage.

2845 Summer Oaks Dr, Memphis, TN 38134
(901) 377-2340

Life Shouldn't Hurt!

You Deserve To Feel Great. We Can Help!
Your go-to Chiropractor in Memphis, TN

Richard L. Cole, DC, DACNB, DAIPM, FIACN, FICC
Jeffrey D. Luebbe, DC, CCRD, CCSP
W. Steven Vollmer, DC, DAAPM
Bradford J. Cole, DC, MS, CSCS
J. Colby Poston, DC
Daniel H. Smith, DC
2845 Summer Oaks Dr., Memphis, TN 38134
(901) 377-2340

Monday – Friday:
8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday :
8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Walk-ins are Welcome!