What Is Greater Trochanter Pain Syndrome?

Greater trochanter pain syndrome (GTPS) is a common condition that causes pain and tenderness in the outer part of the hip. It affects both men and women, but is more common in women and people over 50 years of age. GTPS is also known as trochanteric bursitis, greater trochanteric pain syndrome, or lateral hip pain. In this blog, we will explore the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of GTPS based on the latest research.

Causes of GTPS:

GTPS is caused by irritation or inflammation of the trochanteric bursa, a small fluid-filled sac that cushions the hip joint. The trochanteric bursa is located on the outside of the hip joint, between the greater trochanter (a bony prominence on the femur) and the muscles and tendons that attach to it. GTPS can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

1. Overuse or repetitive use of the hip joint, such as running, jumping, or climbing stairs.

2. Trauma or injury to the hip, such as a fall or direct blow to the hip.

3. Structural abnormalities of the hip joint, such as a leg length discrepancy or hip dysplasia.

4. Medical conditions such as arthritis, gout, or infection.

Symptoms of GTPS: 

The main symptom of GTPS is pain on the outside of the hip, which can be sharp or dull and may radiate down the outside of the thigh. The pain is typically worse with activity and may be accompanied by stiffness, swelling, and tenderness over the greater trochanter. Some people may also experience a clicking or snapping sensation in the hip joint. 

Diagnosis of GTPS: 

GTPS is diagnosed based on a physical examination and medical history. Here at Vigour plus Colchester Injury clinic, we perform a variety of tests to rule out other conditions, such as subjective and objective assessment. Our physicians will get you to perform various tests such as FABER (flexion, abduction, external rotation) test, which involves lying on your back and moving your leg in various directions to assess hip joint mobility and pain. 

Treatment of GTPS: 

Treatment for GTPS typically involves a combination of rest, physical therapy, and pain management. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the inflamed bursa. Here is a common treatment option:

                                                                                             PEACE AND LOVE 

Protect: Avoid activities that aggravate the pain, during the first few days after an injury such as running or jumping. 

Elevate: Elevate the injured limb higher than the heart as often as possible 

Avoid Anti-inflammatory: Avoid taking anti-inflammatory medications as they reduce tissue healing. Avoid icing. 

Compression: Use an elastic bandage or taping to reduce swelling 

Educate: Your body knows best. Avoid unnecessary passive treatments and medical investigations and let nature play its role 

Load: Let pain guide your gradual return to normal activities. Your body will tell you when it's safe to increase the load. 

Optimism: Condition your brain for optimal recovery by being confident and positive 

Vascularisation: choose pain-free cardiovascular activities to increase blood flow to repair tissues 

Exercise: Exercises to strengthen the hip muscles and improve mobility can help reduce pain and prevent future injury

Prevention of GTPS: 

Prevention of GTPS involves maintaining good hip joint health and avoiding activities that may cause excessive stress on the hip joint. Here are some tips to help prevent GTPS:

1. Maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on the hip joint.

2. Warm up before exercise and stretch after exercise to improve flexibility.

3. Use proper technique when performing activities that involve the hip joint, such as running or jumping.

4. Wear proper footwear with good arch support to reduce stress on the hip joint.

In conclusion, GTPS is a common condition that causes pain and tenderness in the outer part of the hip. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including overuse or repetitive use of the hip joint, trauma and structural abnormalities.

Colchester sports massage 

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