Treatment Options for Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome

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What is Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome?

Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS) is a common condition that causes pain on the outer side of the hip. Often mistaken for other issues. GTPS, formerly known as trochanteric bursitis, now refers to a broader range of pathologies affecting the gluteal tendons, trochanteric bursa, and surrounding soft tissues. It primarily affects middle-aged women but can also affect people of any age, particularly those who are physically active or have biomechanical abnormalities. Greater trochanteric pain syndrome is characterised by lateral hip discomfort and tenderness, which can severely impair mobility and quality of life. Accurate diagnosis and timely care are essential for slowing disease progression and optimising recovery.

Causes of Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome

Chronic overload or irritation of the external hip structures are common greater trochanteric pain syndrome causes. These structures include the gluteus medius and minimus tendons, as well as the trochanteric bursa and iliotibial band. Contributing factors include:

Running and stair climbing are examples of repeated-strain activities.
Muscle weakness or imbalance, particularly among hip abductors.
Poor biomechanics, such as an irregular walk or differences in limb lengths.
Falling or applying direct pressure to the hip are examples of trauma.
Lumbar spine pathology can produce pain or impair hip motions.

Biomechanical and structural difficulties, as well as inflammatory disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and gout, can all induce bursitis in GTPS. Hormonal changes in postmenopausal women may also affect tendon health and contribute to the development of Greater trochanteric pain syndrome.

Inappropriate footwear and sedentary lifestyles can worsen hip joint inflammation, affecting disease prevention and management. Early signs include pain and tenderness over the greater joint.

Early signs of Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome

Greater trochanteric pain syndrome is identified by discomfort and tenderness at the greater trochanter, a bony protrusion on the hip’s side. Patients frequently report:

Discomfort while lying on the affected side.
Walking, climbing stairs, or standing for long periods of time exacerbates the pain.
Pain occasionally travels down the outer thigh.
High pressure causes a sleep disturbance.

Lack of appropriate treatment can lead to prolonged and severe pain. Symptoms develop gradually, starting with a mild ache and progressing to sharp, localised pain that can interfere with daily activities.

Diagnosis of Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome

Greater trochanteric pain syndrome diagnosis is primarily clinical, involving patient history and a physical examination. Tenderness across the greater trochanter and discomfort with resisted hip abduction are two common findings. Imaging can also assist in diagnosing and identifying tendon tears.

Ultrasound is beneficial in detecting bursitis and tendon disease.
MRI provides a detailed assessment of soft tissue and gluteal tendon tears.
X-rays can be used to rule out bony abnormalities and arthritis.

Ultrasound-guided treatment is especially useful because it ensures that injections are administered accurately.

Diagnostic tests like FABER and ultrasound can confirm bursitis or tendon degeneration and rule out other conditions like iliotibial band syndrome or lumbar radiculopathy.

Treatment Options for Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome

Non-invasive Treatment

Non-invasive treatment options for GTPS include activity moderation, NSAIDs, and glute-strengthening therapy. For persistent symptoms, greater trochanteric pain syndrome injections, such as ultrasound-guided trochanteric bursitis injections, can provide significant relief:

Precision aiming
Quick pain alleviation.
Increased participation in physiotherapy.
Convenience for outpatients

Other Treatment Options

Shockwave Therapy.
Prolotherapy or Dry Needling

Patient education and counselling for greater trochanteric pain syndrome typically involve a customised exercise regimen based on the patient’s abilities, aimed at strengthening tendon capacity and reducing joint wear and tear. The procedure is quick and usually successful. Follow-up assessments are needed to determine whether further injections or imaging are necessary.

Prognosis and Long-term Management

GTPS has a favourable prognosis with proper treatment. Many patients respond well to physiotherapy and injections.

Preventative strategies include:

Maintaining hip and core strength
Avoiding excessive side-lying
Dealing with biomechanical issues.
Using cushioned footwear and orthotics.

Tendon repair surgery is often the go-to treatment for severe cases of GTPS, as it can significantly improve the condition and prevent ongoing pain or permanent tendon damage. Early intervention is crucial to avoid chronic issues. Many individuals can minimize the risk of long-term discomfort by addressing their symptoms early on, especially if they are proactive with exercises and maintain good posture.

For those who experience lateral hip pain, incorporating preventive measures such as foam rolling, posture adjustments, and ergonomic changes at home or work can also reduce the likelihood of recurrence. However, when GTPS does affect your quality of life, it’s important to know that effective treatments are available.

At RAD Clinics, we specialise in ultrasound-guided greater trochanteric pain syndrome injections, a highly effective treatment for managing the discomfort of GTPS. These injections can offer rapid relief and help patients regain function, significantly improving their day-to-day comfort. If you’re struggling with hip pain, don’t wait—reach out to us today to discuss how our tailored treatment options can help you feel better and live more comfortably.

Conclusion

Greater trochanteric pain syndrome can significantly disrupt your daily life, but with the right treatment plan, relief is within reach. Whether it’s through conservative measures like physiotherapy and activity modification, or more advanced options like greater trochanteric pain syndrome injections, managing GTPS effectively is possible. At RAD Clinics, we offer precise, quick, and highly effective ultrasound-guided injections that provide rapid pain relief and support your recovery process. Don’t let hip pain hold you back—contact us today to learn more about our personalised treatment options and take the first step toward a pain-free movement.

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Disclaimer RAD Clinics currently provides ultrasound scan services only. Other tests and screenings mentioned in this article, such as blood tests, cervical smears, and DEXA (bone density) scans, are not available at RAD Clinics at this time. The information provided is for general educational purposes and should not replace medical advice from your GP or healthcare provider.