In this blog we’ll outline gluteal tendinopathy symptoms typically associated with this condition, which may be accompanied by trochanteric bursitis (and therefore trochanteric bursitis symptoms) (both conditions together referred to as GTPS) and how it is diagnosed.
If you are not sure what these conditions are and what the differences are between these different names, click here to read our blog on this topic.
What are the usual gluteal tendinopathy symptoms (or trochanteric bursitis symptoms)?
The main gluteal tendinopathy symptoms (or trochanteric bursitis symptoms) are pain and tenderness over the bony prominence at the side of the hip, called the greater trochanter. If you stand upright with your arms hanging by your side, the greater trochanters are at about the level of your wrists. The greater trochanters are part of the femur (thigh bone) and serve as an anchor point for some of the gluteal (buttock) muscles. Pain may also spread down the outer surface of the thigh towards the knee. The red area on the model below highlights the common area of pain experienced with gluteal tendinopathy and bursitis.
area at the side of the hip where gluteal tendinopathy symptoms or trochanteric bursitis symptoms are felt
location of gluteal tendinopathy symptoms +/- trochanteric bursitis symptoms felt at the side of the hip
Pain is often worst at night particularly when lying on the side (lying on either side may be painful) and can disturb sleep considerably. The pain can have a significant impact on activity due to discomfort when walking, particularly walking up hills, slopes or stairs. Sitting in low chairs, particularly with the legs crossed can also aggravate the pain. Getting up from a chair after sitting can be quite uncomfortable and there might be a limp for the first few steps.