About the condition
Pain over the outside of the hip is often called greater trochanteric pain syndrome. Gluteal tendons can be involved; it is not always simply bursitis. Persistent hip pain can also have other causes.
Treatment options
Assessment should consider hip and spinal contributions. Education may include reducing sustained compression, such as positions that bring the knee across the body, while finding tolerable activity.
Surgical considerations
Injections may be discussed for some people. Surgery is reserved for selected problems after specialist assessment, particularly suspected substantial tendon tears; it is not routine first-line care.
Rehabilitation principles
Build tendon capacity through progressive exercise, adjusted to symptoms and daily demands. Review walking, stairs, sleep positions and the response after exercise rather than repeatedly stopping all activity.
Recovery expectations
Improvement can be gradual and symptoms may fluctuate. Track sleep, walking tolerance and strength alongside pain. A flare can prompt a loading adjustment and reassessment rather than automatically indicating new damage.
Evidence context
A trial found benefits from education and exercise for gluteal tendinopathy. That evidence does not cover every cause of lateral hip pain.
Research & guidance
Evidence sources checked: 2026-10-11.
Editorial draft — HK+A clinical review pending.