Pain on the outer side of your hip may be caused by irritation of tendons and fluid sacs around the hip joint. Learn what causes it, how to diagnose it, and how to treat it.
Greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS) is a common cause of pain on the outer side of your hip, especially in middle-aged adults and women. Rather than being a problem with just the bursa (a small fluid-filled sac that cushions your hip), this condition usually involves irritation of the tendons and surrounding tissues in that area.
You may feel a dull, aching pain on the outer side of your hip that gets worse when you walk, climb stairs, stand for long periods, or lie on the affected side. You might also notice tenderness right over the bony bump on the outer part of your hip, and pain when you try to lift your leg out to the side or stand on one leg.
GTPS is most often caused by wear and tear or small tears in the gluteal tendons (the muscles that help move your hip). Several things can increase your risk, including repetitive activities that stress the hip, poor hip alignment or movement patterns, excess weight, and problems with your lower back or legs that change how your hip works.
Your doctor will diagnose GTPS mainly by asking about your symptoms and performing a physical examination. Sometimes an ultrasound or MRI scan may be ordered if your doctor suspects a significant tendon tear or if your symptoms don't improve with initial treatment.
Most people improve with simple changes to their activity level, over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen, and physical therapy focused on strengthening the muscles around your hip. If symptoms persist, your doctor may recommend a corticosteroid injection into the area to reduce inflammation. Other options for stubborn cases include platelet-rich plasma injections, extracorporeal shock wave therapy (a non-invasive treatment using sound waves), or, rarely, surgery if you have a significant tendon tear.
Recovery time varies depending on how severe your condition is and how well you follow your treatment plan. Most patients see improvement within several weeks to months with consistent physical therapy and activity modification. Strengthening the muscles around your hip and maintaining good movement patterns are key to preventing the problem from returning.
Contact your doctor if you have ongoing pain on the outer side of your hip, especially if the pain interferes with walking, climbing stairs, or daily activities. Seek immediate care if you experience sudden severe pain, inability to bear weight on the affected leg, or signs of infection such as warmth, redness, or fever. Your doctor can confirm the diagnosis and develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
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