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Gluteal tendinopathy
Gluteal tendinopathy, often referred to as gluteal tendinitis, is a condition that affects the tendons of the gluteal muscles, which are crucial for stabilising and moving the hip joint. This condition is a common source of lateral hip pain, especially in middle-aged women and those with a history of hip overuse. At RAD Clinics, we specialise in diagnosing and providing gluteal tendinopathy treatment, including ultrasound-guided cortisone injections for gluteal tendinopathy, to provide relief from pain and inflammation.
Causes of Gluteal Tendinopathy
Gluteal tendinopathy typically arises from repetitive overuse or strain of the gluteal tendons, particularly in individuals who engage in high-impact activities such as running, hiking, or excessive walking. Other common causes include:
Age-related degeneration of tendons
Weakness or imbalances in the hip muscles
Trauma or injury to the hip or surrounding areas
Poor biomechanics or improper movement patterns
Prolonged sitting or standing on one leg
Symptoms of Gluteal Tendinopathy
The primary symptom of gluteal tendinopathy is pain in the outer hip region, which may worsen with activity or prolonged periods of standing, walking, or sitting. Common symptoms include:
Pain on the outside of the hip
Tenderness when pressing on the affected area
Pain that worsens when lying on the affected side
Stiffness in the hip, especially in the morning
Weakness in the hip muscles leading to difficulty walking or climbing stairs
Anatomy of Gluteal Tendinopathy
The gluteal tendons are part of the group of muscles known as the gluteal muscles, which include the gluteus maximus, medius, and minimus. These muscles are responsible for stabilising the pelvis, extending the hip, and aiding in lateral leg movements. The gluteus medius and minimus tendons attach to the greater trochanter of the femur, and it’s these tendons that are typically affected by gluteal tendinopathy.
Diagnosis of Gluteal Tendinopathy
Diagnosis of gluteal tendinopathy is based on a combination of clinical examination, patient history, and imaging studies. During your consultation at RAD Clinics, the following diagnostic steps may be taken:
Physical Examination: Your doctor will assess the location of the pain and evaluate your range of motion and hip strength.
Ultrasound Imaging: This technique is used to provide real-time images of the gluteal tendons, helping to confirm inflammation, degeneration, or tearing.
MRI Scans: In more severe cases, an MRI may be required to assess the extent of tendon damage.
Cortisone Injections for Gluteal Tendinopathy
At RAD Clinics, we offer ultrasound-guided cortisone injections for gluteal tendinopathy as a targeted treatment option. These injections provide both diagnostic and therapeutic benefits, offering relief from pain and reducing inflammation in the affected tendons.
Benefits of Ultrasound-Guided Cortisone Injections
Precise Targeting: Ultrasound guidance ensures that the cortisone is injected directly into the area of inflammation, maximising its effectiveness.
Non-Invasive: Cortisone injections offer a non-surgical option for pain relief, avoiding the need for more invasive procedures.
Reduced Pain and Inflammation: Cortisone works to reduce the inflammation in the affected tendons, offering gluteal tendinopathy pain relief and allowing for improved mobility.
Quick Recovery: With minimal downtime, patients can return to their regular activities shortly after the procedure.
Improved Function: By reducing pain and inflammation, cortisone injections help restore strength and function in the hip.
What to Expect During the Procedure
At RAD Clinics, your comfort and safety are our top priority. Here’s what you can expect during an ultrasound-guided cortisone injection:
Preparation: The area around the hip will be sterilised, and a local anaesthetic may be applied to minimise discomfort.
Ultrasound Guidance: Using real-time ultrasound imaging, the doctor will carefully guide the needle into the precise area of tendon inflammation.
Cortisone Injection: Once the needle is in place, cortisone will be injected to reduce inflammation and pain.
Post-Procedure Care: Patients are usually able to go home shortly after the procedure and may experience relief within a few days. Mild soreness at the injection site is normal and will resolve in a short time.
When to Seek Treatment
If you experience persistent hip pain that does not improve with rest or over-the-counter medications, it may be time to seek professional treatment. Early diagnosis and intervention can prevent the condition from worsening and lead to a quicker recovery. RAD Clinics offers specialised gluteal tendinopathy treatment options, including cortisone injections, to ensure your path to recovery is as smooth and effective as possible.If you experience persistent hip pain that does not improve with rest or over-the-counter medications, it may be time to seek professional treatment. Early diagnosis and intervention can prevent the condition from worsening and lead to a quicker recovery.
Common Questions We Hear From Patients
What is gluteal tendinopathy?
Gluteal tendinopathy is overload-related degeneration and inflammation of the gluteus medius/minimus tendons, causing lateral hip pain and sleep disturbance when lying on the side. Diagnosis uses clinical testing and ultrasound to confirm tendon involvement and exclude hip joint pathology.
How to improve gluteal tendinopathy
Progressive, tendon-specific loading improves strength, tendon capacity, and daily function in gluteal tendinopathy. RAD Clinics designs phased rehab and supports recovery with image-guided therapies when needed.
Reduce compressive positions (legs crossed, prolonged side-lying)
Begin with isometrics, then heavy-slow resistance
Address gait and pelvic control
Manage training load and walking hills
How do you treat gluteal tendinitis?
Gluteal tendinitis (gluteal tendinopathy) responds to structured rehabilitation that restores tendon load tolerance and hip control. RAD Clinics uses exercise therapy first-line and, when indicated, ultrasound-guided injections to reduce bursitic inflammation and enable effective strengthening.
Does cortisone injection help gluteal tendinopathy?
Corticosteroid injection provides short-term pain relief in gluteal tendinopathy and improves sleep/standing tolerance, but exercise-based rehabilitation drives superior long-term outcomes. RAD Clinics delivers precise, ultrasound-guided injections to settle symptoms and progress loading without flare-ups.
Doctors who treat gluteal tendinitis
Musculoskeletal specialists—sports physicians, physiotherapists, and interventional radiologists—diagnose and treat gluteal tendinitis with evidence-based loading and targeted procedures. At RAD Clinics, clinicians use ultrasound assessment and tailored rehabilitation programmes to reduce pain and restore hip function.
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We do not accept insurance coverage. If you wish to reimburse your fees, then please kindly check with your insurance provider prior to booking as we cannot be held responsible for any non-payments.
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