If you feel a sharp ache or a persistent throb on the outside of your hip, you might be dealing with Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS). This condition can make simple tasks like walking or sleeping through the night feel like a challenge.
Here is a brief breakdown of what you need to know about the symptoms, how doctors find the cause, and how you can get back to moving comfortably.
The most telltale sign of GTPS is pain located directly on the bony bump at the top of your outer thigh. You may notice:
Side-sleeping discomfort: Intense pain when lying on the affected hip at night.
Tenderness to touch: The area feels bruised when you apply pressure.
Activity flares: Pain that worsens after long walks, climbing stairs, or standing on one leg.
Radiating pain: An ache that occasionally travels down the outside of your thigh toward the knee.
Diagnosis
Physical Exam
Order scans if needed: While X-rays do not show GTPS, they help rule out arthritis. An MRI might be used to look for gluteal tendon tears.
The goal of treatment is to reduce load on the hip and strengthen the supporting muscles. Most patients find relief through:
Load Management: Avoiding positions that compress the hip, such as crossing your legs or standing with your weight shifted to one side.
Physical Therapy: This is the gold standard for recovery. Specific exercises help strengthen the gluteal tendons so they can handle daily activity.
Sleep Adjustments: Placing a pillow between your knees while sleeping on your back or your good side can take the pressure off.
Injections: Corticosteroid or platelet rich plasma (PRP) Injection