Gluteus Medius, Minimus Tendinitis and Trochanteric Bursitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Reviewed By:
Dr. Sameer Gohir PhD, MSc, PG Cert MSK ultrasound, PG Cert. Non-Medical Prescribing, MCSP, MAPPN
Muhammad Asim Ishaque MSc, PG Cert MSK ultrasound, Dip. MSK Medicine, PG Cert. Non-Medical Prescribing, MCSP, MAPPN

What Is Gluteus Medius and Minimus Tendinitis with Trochanteric Bursitis?

Gluteus medius and minimus tendinitis and trochanteric bursitis are conditions that often lead to significant hip pain and discomfort, particularly among active individuals. Understanding these conditions, their causes, and available treatment options is crucial for effective management.

If hip pain from gluteus medius or minimus tendinitis, or trochanteric bursitis is limiting your daily activities, expert care is close by.

With clinics near Kent and Essex, Joint Injection Clinic offers advanced treatments to help you move comfortably and stay active.

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Hip Pain Treatment Near Kent and Essex

Understanding the Gluteus Medius Tendinitis & Bursitis

Tendinitis refers to the inflammation of the tendons attached to the gluteus medius and minimus muscles, which play a vital role in stabilizing the hip and pelvis during movement. Trochanteric bursitis, on the other hand, involves inflammation of the trochanteric bursa, a fluid-filled sac located near the greater trochanter of the femur. Both conditions often coexist under the term Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS).

Common Causes of Gluteus Medius Tendinitis & Bursitis

The development of gluteus medius and minimus tendinitis alongside trochanteric bursitis can be attributed to several factors:

  • Overuse and Repetitive Stress: Activities that require repetitive hip movements, such as running, cycling, or dancing, can overload these muscles and tendons, leading to micro-tears and inflammation.
  • Direct Trauma: An acute injury, such as a fall or direct impact to the hip, can cause immediate inflammation of the bursa or tendons.
  • Muscle Imbalance: Weakness in the hip abductor muscles can lead to altered biomechanics, placing additional strain on the gluteus medius and minimus, ultimately resulting in tendinitis and bursitis.
  • Poor Posture and Mechanics: Abnormal walking patterns, leg length discrepancies, or improper footwear can increase the risk of these conditions by causing excessive stress on the hip joint.
  • Age and Gender: Individuals, particularly women over 40, are more prone to these conditions, often due to hormonal changes and the natural aging process, which affects the tendons’ resilience.

Symptoms of Gluteus Medius Tendinitis & Bursitis

Individuals with gluteus medius and minimus tendinitis and trochanteric bursitis may experience several symptoms, including:

  • Hip Pain: A deep, aching pain in the outer hip, which may radiate down the thigh.
  • Tenderness: Increased sensitivity over the greater trochanter when pressure is applied.
  • Stiffness: Difficulty moving the hip, particularly after periods of inactivity.
  • Limited Motion: A reduced ability to abduct the hip or perform movements like climbing stairs.
  • Snapping or Clicking Sensation: A snapping sensation during hip movements, associated with tendon movement over the bursa or bone.

How Is Gluteus Medius, Minimus Tendinitis and Trochanteric Bursitis Diagnosed?

Diagnosis involves a comprehensive medical history and physical examination. Specific tests, such as the FABER test or Trendelenburg test, can help assess hip function and pinpoint the source of pain. Imaging studies, like X-rays or MRI, may be used to confirm inflammation or structural abnormalities.

Treatment Options fGluteus Medius Tendinitis & Bursitis

Treatment strategies for gluteus medius and minimus tendinitis and trochanteric bursitis generally include:

Non-Surgical Treatment

  • Rest and Activity Modification: Reducing or avoiding activities that aggravate symptoms is essential for healing.
  • Physiotherapy: Specific exercises to strengthen the hip muscles, improve flexibility, and enhance overall hip function are crucial for recovery. Therapists may focus on hip abductor strengthening and iliotibial band stretching.
  • Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation.
  • Ice Therapy: Applying ice packs to the affected area can help reduce swelling and discomfort.
  • Corticosteroid Injections: In cases of severe pain, corticosteroids may be injected into the bursa to provide temporary relief from inflammation.

Advanced Treatment

If conservative measures do not relieve symptoms, surgical options may be considered, including:

  • Bursectomy: Removal of the inflamed bursa can help alleviate pain and improve function.
  • Tendon Repair: Surgical intervention may be necessary for severe cases of tendon tears in the gluteus medius or minimus.
  • Iliotibial Band Release: This may be performed to relieve tension on the bursa and improve hip mechanics.

Conclusion

Gluteus medius and minimus tendinitis, along with trochanteric bursitis, can significantly impact daily activities and quality of life. Early diagnosis and intervention are essential for effective management and recovery. Collaborating with healthcare professionals ensures the implementation of appropriate treatment strategies tailored to individual needs.

Private Gluteal Tendinopathy & Greater Trochanteric Pain Treatment

Pain on the outside of the hip is often grouped under greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS) and may involve the gluteal tendons, the trochanteric bursa, or both. A private assessment can identify the most likely pain driver and the loads that are aggravating it.

Education and progressive hip-strengthening rehabilitation are central to treatment. Shockwave therapy may be considered for selected persistent tendinopathy at Dartford, Kings Hill or Romford. A corticosteroid injection may be considered when a bursal/inflammatory component is thought to be contributing to significant pain, but it should not be presented as a way to heal a gluteal tendon.

Lateral Hip Pain Treatment Near You

Dartford Clinic – North Kent & South East London

MSK Physiotherapy in Dartford

Shockwave Therapy in Dartford

Kings Hill Clinic — West Malling & Mid Kent

MSK Physiotherapy in Kings Hill

Shockwave Therapy in Kings Hill

Canterbury Clinic – East Kent & the Kent Coast

MSK Physiotherapy in Canterbury

Romford Clinic – East London & Essex

MSK Physiotherapy in Romford

Shockwave Therapy in Romford


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Frequently Asked Questions

Not exactly. Lateral hip pain can involve gluteal tendon change, bursal irritation or both. The umbrella term GTPS is often more accurate than assuming the bursa is the only problem.

A corticosteroid injection can be considered for selected patients, particularly when bursal pain is prominent, but progressive rehabilitation remains important for tendon-related symptoms.

Shockwave may be considered for selected persistent cases alongside an appropriate loading programme.

Other Hip & Groin Conditions Conditions We Treat

Not sure whether your symptoms match this condition? Explore the other hip pain conditions assessed and treated at JIC.