Greater trochanteric pain syndrome

What it is

Pain over the bony point on the outside of the hip is often called trochanteric bursitis, but it is usually a problem with the gluteal tendons that attach there. It is common in women in their forties to sixties, can be tender to lie on, and can disturb sleep.

Common symptoms

• Pain over the outer hip, tender to press or lie on
• Pain with walking, stairs, or standing on one leg
• Pain that disturbs sleep, especially lying on that side
• Sometimes aching down the outer thigh

What can help

• A targeted exercise and load-management program, which is first-line and works best
• Avoiding positions that compress the tendons, such as crossing the legs or leaning on one hip
• Adjusting sleeping position, with a pillow between the knees
• Simple pain relief

Where an injection fits

A corticosteroid injection can reduce pain for a while, but strong studies, including the LEAP trial, show that an exercise and education program does better, both early and at one year. Because injections do not treat the underlying tendon and can even weaken it, we lead with exercise and use injection selectively.

Home exercise program after your injection