What Is Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS)?
Greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS) is a common cause of pain on the outer side of the hip. GTPS affects the tissues surrounding the greater trochanter, the bony prominence located on the outside of the hip. Several important muscles and tendons attach to this area, including the gluteus medius and gluteus minimus, which help stabilize the pelvis during walking, climbing stairs, and standing on one leg.
Although GTPS was once commonly referred to as trochanteric bursitis, research suggests that bursitis accounts for only a small percentage of cases. In many patients, the pain originates from damage, irritation, or inflammation affecting the surrounding tendons and soft tissues.
What Causes Lateral Hip Pain?
Several conditions can contribute to chronic pain on the outside of the hip.
Gluteal Tendinopathy
Gluteal tendinopathy occurs when the gluteus medius or gluteus minimus tendons become damaged, thickened, or partially torn where they attach to the greater trochanter. Gluteal tendinopathy is one of the most common causes of greater trochanteric pain syndrome.
Iliotibial Band Irritation
The iliotibial band is a thick band of connective tissue that runs along the outside of the thigh. Irritation or thickening of the iliotibial band can contribute to friction, tenderness, and pain around the greater trochanter.
Abnormal Blood Vessels and Nerve Fibers
Chronic tendon conditions may be associated with the growth of abnormal blood vessels, called neovessels, and highly sensitive nerve fibers within damaged tissue. These abnormal blood vessels and nerves may contribute to persistent inflammation and chronic pain that does not resolve on its own.
Who Gets Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome?
GTPS can affect both active and sedentary individuals. The condition is most commonly diagnosed in adults between their 40s and 60s and is particularly common among women. However, anyone can develop lateral hip pain related to GTPS.
What Are the Symptoms of GTPS?
Patients with greater trochanteric pain syndrome may experience:
- Pain on the outer side of the hip
- Pain that radiates down the outside of the thigh toward the knee
- Pain when lying on the affected side
- Hip pain that interferes with sleep
- Pain while climbing stairs, walking, or getting up from a chair
- Difficulty standing on one leg
- A limp or altered walking pattern
- Tenderness when pressing on the outer hip
Symptoms may gradually worsen over time and can interfere with exercise, work, and daily activities.
When Should You Consider Additional Treatment?
Many patients improve with conservative treatment, including physical therapy, medications, or injections. However, some patients continue to experience persistent lateral hip pain despite these treatments. If symptoms continue to affect sleep, mobility, exercise, or quality of life, additional treatment options may be considered.
What Minimally Invasive Treatments Are Available?
UHealth offers several minimally invasive treatment options for patients with chronic greater trochanteric pain syndrome. These procedures target different sources of pain and inflammation and may be used individually or together depending on the cause of symptoms.
Transarterial Embolization (TAE)
Transarterial embolization (TAE) targets abnormal blood vessels and inflammation around the greater trochanter. TAE may be appropriate for patients with gluteal tendinopathy or peritrochanteric inflammation that has not improved with conservative treatment.
Nerve Blocks
A nerve block uses a targeted injection of numbing medication around nerves that carry pain signals from the lateral hip. Nerve blocks can provide temporary relief and help determine whether a patient may benefit from nerve ablation.
Nerve Ablation
Nerve ablation uses heat (radiofrequency ablation) or cold (cryoablation) to interrupt pain signals from nerves supplying the greater trochanter and surrounding tissues. Nerve ablation is typically considered after a successful diagnostic nerve block confirms that the targeted nerves are contributing to the pain.
Which Treatment Is Right for Me?
The best treatment depends on the source of your pain, imaging findings, previous treatments, and personal goals. Some patients benefit from a single procedure, while others may benefit from a combination of treatments. Your physician will perform a comprehensive evaluation and develop a personalized treatment plan based on your diagnosis and symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why Choose UHealth for Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome Treatment?
Chronic lateral hip pain can affect sleep, mobility, exercise, work, and everyday activities. At UHealth, patients receive comprehensive evaluation and minimally invasive treatment from specialists experienced in treating greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS), gluteal tendinopathy, and other causes of persistent pain on the outer side of the hip.
Our goal is to identify the source of your symptoms and develop a personalized treatment plan designed to reduce pain, improve function, and help you return to the activities that matter most to you.
Expertise in Minimally Invasive, Image-Guided Treatment. UHealth's Interventional Radiology team specializes in minimally invasive procedures that target the source of chronic pain. Using advanced imaging technology, our physicians can identify abnormal blood vessels, inflamed tissues, and pain-transmitting nerves that may be contributing to lateral hip pain. These image-guided procedures allow for precise treatment while minimizing disruption to surrounding healthy structures.
Personalized Care for Chronic Hip Pain. Greater trochanteric pain syndrome can have multiple causes. Some patients experience pain related to gluteal tendinopathy, while others may have peritrochanteric inflammation, iliotibial band irritation, or pain arising from multiple sources. Our team reviews your symptoms, medical history, previous treatments, and imaging studies to determine the most appropriate treatment strategy for your condition.
Multiple Minimally Invasive Treatment Options. UHealth offers several minimally invasive treatment options for chronic lateral hip pain, including transarterial embolization (TAE), diagnostic and therapeutic nerve blocks, radiofrequency ablation, and cryoablation. Because these procedures address different causes of pain and inflammation, patients may benefit from a single treatment or a combination of therapies based on their diagnosis and treatment goals.
Advanced Evaluation and Treatment Planning. Successful treatment begins with an accurate diagnosis. Before recommending treatment, your physician will review your medical history, prior therapies, and imaging studies such as MRI or ultrasound. This comprehensive evaluation helps determine whether symptoms are related to greater trochanteric pain syndrome, gluteal tendinopathy, peritrochanteric inflammation, or another condition affecting the lateral hip.
Focused on Improving Function and Quality of Life. Reducing pain is only one part of treatment. Our team focuses on helping patients improve mobility, participate more comfortably in physical therapy and exercise, sleep with less discomfort, and return to daily activities that chronic hip pain may have limited.
Minimally Invasive Alternatives to Surgery. Many patients seek treatment because conservative therapies have not provided adequate relief and they want to avoid surgery. Minimally invasive procedures such as TAE, nerve blocks, and nerve ablation are performed through small needles or catheters rather than large surgical incisions. Most patients return home the same day and can resume activities based on their physician's recommendations.
Take the Next Step
If chronic lateral hip pain is affecting your sleep, mobility, exercise routine, or quality of life, a minimally invasive treatment may be an option. Schedule a consultation with a UHealth interventional radiologist to learn whether transarterial embolization (TAE), a nerve block, or nerve ablation may be appropriate for your condition.
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