Gluteal tendinopathy
Gluteal Tendinopathy is a type of tendon disorder that typically occurs to the glute medius or minimus tendon as a result of overloading. It commonly presents as pain over the greater trochanter (the bony lump felt at the side of your hip). Other symptoms include:
Pain when lying on your side.
Pain when standing on one leg to dress.
Pain going uphill or stairs.
Gluteal tendinopathy is more common in women than men and is particularly common in postmenopausal women as a result of reduced estrogen levels and altered healing times.
Managing your load is an important part of treatment as complete rest will not cure tendinopathy. Avoiding aggravating positions such as sitting cross-legged or sleeping side-lying can help to decrease pain levels. Once the pain levels have reduced, the strength phase can be commenced which will focus on strengthening the hip abductors and controlling hip adduction.
Running may need to be avoided or at least reduced during reactive tendinopathy. The issue with tendinopathy is that if you continue to overload the tendon it can progress from a reactive tendon to disrepair and degeneration during which stages the tendon structure starts to change. Reactive changes are reversible but degeneration of the tendon generally isn’t. Try to ensure running remains pain-free and there is no reaction for at least 24 hours after. Hill work and speed work should be avoided initially and runners should stay on the flat or run in straight lines rather than around a track.
Whether you have an acute injury, long-term pain or want to improve your sports performance, our experienced team of Physiotherapists are here to help. At Platinum, we will help you manage any issues without the need to constantly return to see us.
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