In this article, you will find out everything you need to know about trochanteric pain and the most effective ways to treat it, including an advanced treatment called Prolotherapy.
Table of Contents
- What is Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome?
- Common Causes of Lateral Hip Pain
- Symptoms of Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome
- Home Remedies for Trochanteric Pain Syndrome
- Medical Treatment
- Prolotherapy for Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome
- Diagnosis
- Safety Measures to Avoid Trochanteric Pain Syndrome
- Bottom Line
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Contact ProHealth Clinic
- Author Bio
- References
What is Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome?
Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS), also known as hip bursitis, is a common condition causing irritation and pain over the outside of the hip or thigh. It involves inflammation of the trochanteric bursa and/or gluteal tendons (gluteus medius, minimus, and maximus) at the greater trochanter of the femur. This can result in pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. GTPS is more common in women, especially those with hip osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, or obesity.
Recent imaging studies show that hip pain is often due to inflammation in the gluteal tendons and soft tissue structures, not just the bursa. Pain may radiate to the buttock or thigh, limiting daily activities. Collarbone pain and upper body issues can also contribute to overall discomfort and function.
Common Causes of Lateral Hip Pain
- Physical trauma: Falls, direct blows, or prolonged pressure on the hip can injure the bursa or tendons.
- Muscle overuse: Repetitive activities or overuse of hip muscles can cause short- or long-term pain.
- Poor posture: Incorrect standing or exercise form can lead to muscle tightness, scoliosis, or arthritis.
- Obesity: Extra weight increases pressure on hip and thigh muscles, worsening pain.
- Leg length difference: Unequal leg length can overload one hip, causing pain.
- Trochanteric bursitis: Inflammation of the bursa, often due to gluteal tendinopathy or IT band friction.
- Other conditions: Rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and other inflammatory disorders can increase risk.
Excessive hip adduction and weak hip abductors (especially gluteus medius) increase compressive forces on the tendons and bursa, intensifying pain.
Symptoms of Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome
- Pain in the buttock or lateral thigh during activity (walking, running, standing)
- Stiffness and irritation when lying on the affected side, sometimes waking you from sleep
- Weakness in the leg and reduced strength
- Pain that starts acutely but may become chronic
- Soreness and bruising when touching the affected area
Home Remedies for Trochanteric Pain Syndrome
Early-stage trochanteric bursitis can often be managed at home with regular exercise. Gradually increase exercise duration to strengthen hip and thigh muscles and stabilize the joint.
- Lying leg circles: Lie on your back, lift one leg 3 inches, and make small circles. Do 3 sets of 5 reps per leg.
- Hip bridges: Lie on your back, bend knees, lift buttocks to align with shoulders and knees, then lower. Do 5 sets of 20 reps.
- Lying lateral leg raises: Lie on your side, straighten your arm, and lift the top leg as high as possible. Repeat on both sides.
Medical Treatment
- NSAIDs and rest for acute pain (not recommended for chronic tendinopathy)
- Steroid injections for persistent pain (limit number to avoid tissue damage)
- Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (SWT), PRP injections, and activity modification
- Physical therapy for strengthening and mobility
- Manual therapy and myofascial release for joint and soft tissue restrictions
- Therapeutic ultrasound to improve blood flow and relieve pain
- Surgical intervention for severe tendon tears or hip injuries (e.g., gluteal tendon repair, hip arthroplasty)
Prolotherapy for Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome
In recent years, Prolotherapy has built its reputation within the medical community for its clinically proven ability to treat Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome.
Published research has demonstrated its pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory, and regenerative benefits.
Prolotherapy involves injecting a natural regenerative solution with tiny needles into the affected area. This stimulates the production of collagen cells, which are essential for repairing damaged tendons and soft tissues around the greater trochanter.
Because Prolotherapy addresses the root cause of Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome, it is considered a permanent fix, helping to prevent symptoms from returning and supporting long-term hip health.
Diagnosis
GTPS is a clinical diagnosis for lateral hip pain, often involving both tendinopathy and trochanteric bursitis. Your healthcare provider may recommend:
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
- X-ray
- Ultrasound
- Bone scanning
- FADER test (flexion, adduction, and external rotation)
- Single leg stance test (high predictive value for GTPS)
These tests help confirm the diagnosis and rule out other causes of hip pain.
Safety Measures to Avoid Trochanteric Pain Syndrome
- Maintain proper posture: Stand and exercise with correct form to protect your hips.
- Manage body weight: Reducing excess weight lessens pressure on your hip joints.
- Avoid repetitive overuse: Limit repetitive activities that strain the hips.
- Prevent falls and jerks: Wear supportive shoes and use mobility aids if needed.
- Strengthen gluteal muscles: Regularly perform hip abductor and gluteal strengthening exercises.
Bottom Line
Pain on the outside of the hip from GTPS can significantly impact daily life. Early intervention with physical therapy, exercise, and lifestyle changes is key. Avoid risk factors and seek expert care if symptoms persist or worsen. Severe tendon tears may require surgical intervention, but most cases improve with conservative management and advanced treatments like Prolotherapy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you treat Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS)?
Early treatment includes rest, ice, soft tissue therapy, and taping. Physical therapy, activity modification, and in some cases, injections or Prolotherapy may be recommended.
What causes trochanteric bursitis?
It is usually caused by repetitive stress on the hip, prolonged standing, or overuse. Other risk factors include obesity, poor posture, and inflammatory conditions.
What does greater trochanteric pain feel like?
Pain is typically aching or burning on the outer hip, radiating down the thigh, and worsened by activity or lying on the affected side.
How long does trochanteric bursitis take to heal?
Recovery varies, but most cases improve within months rather than weeks with appropriate treatment.
Contact ProHealth Clinic Today for Your FREE 15-Minute Discovery Call
Don’t let Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome control your life any longer. Join the thousands of patients who have found lasting relief through prolotherapy at ProHealth Clinic.
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Author Bio
Having performed over 10,000 procedures, Mr Eaton is one of the UK’s leading practitioners in the field of treating Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome, with patients travelling to see him from across the UK, Europe, and the Middle East.
With over 12 years of clinical experience, Oliver is dedicated to helping patients understand their symptoms associated with Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome and providing effective treatment options to alleviate them.
He qualified in Prolozone Therapy and Prolotherapy in America with the American Academy of Ozonotherapy. He continued on to complete further qualifications at the Royal Society of Medicine, Charing Cross Hospital in London, Keele University’s Anatomy & Surgical Training Centre, and the medical department of Heidelberg University in Germany.
Over the years he has had the privilege of treating many elite-level athletes, including both Olympic and Commonwealth medallists.
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References
- The clinic, S. (2021). Trochanteric bursitis. Sports Clinic NQ. https://sportsclinicnq.com.au/greater-trochanteric-pain-syndrome/
- Orenstein, B. W., Theobald, M., Suszynski, M., Orenstein, B. W., Vann, M. R., & Editors, E. H. (2021). 5 common causes of hip chronic pain in women. https://www.everydayhealth.com/hip-pain/five-common-causes-of-hip-pain-in-women.aspx
- ClinicThe clinic, C. (2018). Trochanteric bursitis: Symptoms, causes, treatments. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4964-trochanteric-bursitis
- 7, J. P. N., & 8, L. M. N. (2021, December 22). What to do about trochanteric bursitis sportsports doctor London. SportSports Doctor London NHS. https://sportdoctorlondon.com/greater-trochanteric-pain-syndrome/
- Pedia, P. (2022). Trochanteric bursitis. Physiopedia. https://www.physio-pedia.com/Greater_Trochanteric_Pain_Syndrome
- Landry M. Brukner & Khan’s Biomechanical Clinical Trial Sports Medicine. Systematic review. Physiother Can. 2014;66(1):109-110. doi:10.3138/ptc.66.1.rev2
- Fearon AM, Scarvell JM, Neeman T, Cook JL, Cormick W, Smith PN. Trochanteric bursitis: defining the clinical syndrome. Br J Sports Med. 2013;47(10):649-653. doi:10.1136/bjsports-2012-091565