Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment

Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr S K Madhava Rao Nekkanti , Orthopedics

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1. Causes 2. Find a Doctor 3. Diagnosis 4. Treatment 5. FAQs

Greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS) is a common condition that causes pain over the outer side of the hip due to irritation of the gluteal tendons or bursae around the greater trochanter. It often worsens with walking, climbing stairs, prolonged standing, or lying on the affected side. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, including physical therapy and pain management, help relieve symptoms, restore mobility, and improve quality of life.

What are the Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome Symptoms and Warning Signs?

Recognising GTPS symptoms early can aid in timely treatment and reduce complications.

Common Symptoms

Pain in the side of the hip, particularly when lying on the affected side
Tenderness over the greater trochanteric pain syndrome
Pain that radiates down the outer thigh or into the buttocks
Discomfort during walking or climbing stairs

Severe Symptoms

Noticeable swelling or warmth over the outer hip (in cases of bursitis)
Marked muscle stiffness or child limping
Significant reduction in hip mobility

What are the Common Causes and Risk Factors of Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome?

Understanding what leads to GTPS can help in prevention and tailored treatment.

Causes

Overuse from repetitive activities like running or prolonged walking
Biomechanical issues such as poor gait or leg length discrepancy
Direct trauma (falls or impact injuries) to the hip area

Risk Factors

Age (middle-aged to elderly individuals are more at risk)
Female gender (linked to pelvic and gait differences)
Obesity or sedentary lifestyle
Prolonged sitting or standing

When to See a Doctor for Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome?

Consult an orthopedics or sports medicine specialist if you have persistent hip pain, difficulty walking, pain while lying on one side, or symptoms that do not improve with rest. Early treatment can help prevent chronic pain and improve mobility.

You should see a doctor if you have:

Persistent pain on the outer side of the hip
Difficulty walking or climbing stairs
Pain that interferes with sleep or daily activities
Hip pain lasting more than a few weeks despite self-care

Get medical help immediately if:

Severe hip pain after a fall or injury
Inability to bear weight on the affected leg
Sudden swelling, redness, or fever around the hip
Loss of movement or severe weakness in the leg

These could be signs of a serious hip injury or complication requiring urgent medical care.

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How Is Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome Diagnosed?

Diagnosis is based on the patient's symptoms, physical examination, and imaging studies when necessary to confirm the condition and exclude other causes of hip pain.

Medical history and physical examination
Assessment of hip movement and tenderness
X-rays to rule out fractures or arthritis
Ultrasound to evaluate tendons and bursae
MRI to detect tendon tears or other soft tissue abnormalities
Diagnostic local anesthetic injection in selected cases

What are the Treatment Options for Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome?

Treatment is typically non-surgical and focuses on pain relief, restoring function, and preventing recurrence.

Conservative Approaches

Rest and Activity Modification: Avoid prolonged walking, standing, or lying on the affected hip
Physical Therapy: Exercises to strengthen gluteal muscles, correct gait, and increase hip flexibility
NSAIDs: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for pain and inflammation
Modalities: Ultrasound therapy or shockwave treatment to reduce inflammation

Medical Interventions

Corticosteroid Injections: Targeted relief for persistent inflammation in the bursa
Surgery (rare): Reserved for severe tendon tears or resistant cases, involving bursectomy or tendon repair

At Medicover, our rehab teams and orthopedic specialists work together to offer customised therapy plans backed by modern technology and clinical expertise.

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What Precautions Can Help Prevent Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome?

Prevention and awareness are key in reducing the risk of GTPS or recurrent symptom.

Prevention

Maintain a healthy weight
Avoid repetitive stress on the hips
Use proper footwear to correct gait
Perform regular hip-strengthening and stretching exercises

Complications if Left Untreated

Chronic pain and impaired mobility
Muscle weakness and altered gait
Increased risk of tendon tears or prolonged inflammation

What Is the Recovery Process for Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome?

Recovery depends on the severity of the condition and adherence to the treatment plan. Most people experience significant improvement within weeks to months with conservative management.

Follow the prescribed physical therapy program
Gradually return to normal activities
Avoid repetitive activities that aggravate hip pain
Maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on the hip
Perform strengthening and stretching exercises regularly
Use proper footwear and maintain good posture
Attend follow-up appointments as recommended
Seek medical advice if symptoms recur or worsen

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the symptoms of Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome?

Common symptoms include pain on the outside of the hip, tenderness over the greater trochanter, pain that worsens when walking, climbing stairs, running, standing on one leg, or lying on the affected side, as well as hip stiffness and weakness.

2. How is Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome diagnosed?

Diagnosis is based on a medical history, physical examination, and assessment of hip movement and strength. Imaging tests such as ultrasound, MRI, or X-rays may be used to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other causes of hip pain.

3. Who is at risk of developing Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome?

Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome is more common in middle-aged and older adults, especially women. People who are runners, have obesity, weak hip muscles, arthritis, lower back problems, leg length differences, or perform repetitive hip movements are also at higher risk.

4. How is Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome treated?

Treatment usually includes activity modification, physical therapy, stretching and strengthening exercises, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), ice therapy, and weight management if needed. Corticosteroid or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections may be considered for persistent symptoms, while surgery is rarely required.

5. Can exercise help treat Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome?

Yes, a structured exercise program is one of the most effective treatments for Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome. Strengthening the hip abductor muscles, improving flexibility, and correcting movement patterns can reduce pain, improve function, and help prevent recurrence.

6. What complications can occur with Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome?

If left untreated, Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome can lead to chronic hip pain, reduced mobility, muscle weakness, difficulty walking, sleep disturbances due to pain, and decreased quality of life.