Gluteus medius tendonitis

Inflammation of the gluteus medius tendon

Gluteus medius tendonitis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the gluteus medius tendon, which is located in the hip region. This condition is often associated with pain and discomfort in the lateral aspect of the hip and can significantly affect mobility and quality of life.

Anatomy

The gluteus medius is one of the three gluteal muscles, situated on the outer surface of the pelvis. It plays a crucial role in stabilizing the pelvis during walking and is involved in the abduction and medial rotation of the thigh. The tendon of the gluteus medius attaches to the greater trochanter of the femur.

3D animation of the gluteus maximus muscle

Causes

Gluteus medius tendonitis can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Overuse or repetitive stress, often seen in athletes or individuals who engage in activities that involve frequent hip movement.
• Direct trauma or injury to the hip area.
• Poor biomechanics, such as improper gait or posture.
• Age-related degeneration of the tendon.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of gluteus medius tendonitis is pain on the outer side of the hip. This pain may:

• Worsen with activity, especially activities that involve hip movement such as walking, running, or climbing stairs.
• Be accompanied by tenderness when pressing on the affected area.
• Cause a limp or difficulty in performing weight-bearing activities.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of gluteus medius tendonitis typically involves:

• A thorough physical examination by a healthcare professional.
• Imaging studies such as MRI or ultrasound to assess the condition of the tendon and rule out other potential causes of hip pain.

Treatment

Treatment for gluteus medius tendonitis may include:

• Rest and avoidance of activities that exacerbate symptoms.
• Application of ice to reduce inflammation and pain.
• Physical therapy to strengthen the hip muscles and improve flexibility.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to manage pain and inflammation.
• In severe cases, corticosteroid injections or surgical intervention may be considered.

Prevention

Preventive measures for gluteus medius tendonitis include:

• Engaging in regular stretching and strengthening exercises for the hip muscles.
• Maintaining proper posture and biomechanics during physical activities.
• Gradually increasing the intensity and duration of physical activities to avoid overuse.

Related pages

• Gluteus medius
• Tendonitis
• Hip pain
• Physical therapy