As the warmer weather approaches, you may be finding yourself outside more and more, either walking or running. When increasing mileage too rapidly, have you experienced an increase in pain one or both of your hips? Today, we explore gluteus medius tendinopathy.
What is gluteus medius tendinopathy (GMT)?
The gluteus medius muscle is responsible for abduction, extension and external rotation of the hip as well as primary stabilizer of the pelvis in standing. GMT, traditionally identified as trochanteric bursitis, is defined as the overuse/ irritation of the gluteus medius muscle, that inserts onto the greater trochanter of femur.¹
GMT occurs when the excessive or repetitive hip adduction occurs under an excessive load.¹ With excessive hip adduction, the iliotibial band (IT band) compresses the fibers of the gluteus medius at the greater trochanter, causing irritation and subsequent pain.¹ For example, a runner may decide to increase their mileage rapidly within a short time period, causing an onset of GMT.
Signs of GMT¹:
- Tenderness over the lateral hip
- Pain when lying on your side (particularly when sleeping on your side)
- Pain with weight bearing activities (running, walking, stair climbing)
- Pain that refers to the lateral thigh or knee
- Pain with prolonged sitting
- Pain when sitting cross-legged
Treatment for GMT:
Depending on the severity of your case, different treatment options are available. Physical therapy intervention focuses on progressive loading of the gluteal musculature. Your physical therapist will likely examine your performance during various weight bearing activities such as squatting, walking and running, depending on your case, and tailor your treatment to target the biomechanical deficits leading to GMT.
Early detection and early management of GMT is important for a quick recovery. GMT can be a real pain in the butt (pun intended), but the physical therapists at Marathon Physical Therapy are here to aid your recovery process!
References :
1. Grimaldi A, Mellor R, Hodges P, Bennell K, Wajswelner H, Vicenzino B. Gluteal tendinopathy: a review of mechanisms, assessment and management. Sports Medicine. 2015 Aug 1;45(8):1107-19.