Lateral hip bursitis and gluteal tendinopathy are prevalent causes of lateral hip pain, particularly among middle-aged women. These conditions can significantly impact daily activities and overall quality of life. Understanding their causes, symptoms, and treatment options is essential for effective management.
Understanding Lateral Hip Bursitis and Gluteal
Tendinopathy
Lateral hip bursitis, known as trochanteric bursitis clinically, involves inflammation of the bursa located over the greater trochanter of the femur. However, recent studies indicate that isolated bursitis is rare, occurring in only about 2% of patients with lateral hip pain. More commonly, this pain is associated with gluteal tendinopathy, a condition characterised by degeneration and dysfunction of the gluteal tendons as they attach onto the lateral hip bone. This is also known as an insertional tendinitis (or tendinopathy). It has been shown that tendon pathology coexists with bursal issues in approximately 88% to 98% of patients (ref link).
Conservative Treatment Options for Lateral Hip Pain
Initial management of lateral hip bursitis or gluten or tendinopathy typically involves conservative approaches as identified below
Physical Therapy - A structured exercise program focusing on strengthening and stretching the gluteal muscles can alleviate symptoms and improve function.
Physical Therapy - often used in osteopathy, joint manipulation and mobilisation to enable effective musculoskeletal function.
Activity Modification - Reducing activities that exacerbate pain, such as prolonged standing or excessive walking, can help manage symptoms.
Medications - Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be used to reduce pain and inflammation. Ensure there are no allergies.
Injection Therapies - Corticosteroids, Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP), and Hyaluronic Acid
When conservative treatments are insufficient, injection therapies may often be considered. Information and advice on injection therapy for lateral hip pain below.
Corticosteroid Injections
These injections are commonly used to provide rapid pain relief by reducing inflammation. However, their effects are often short-term, and they do not address the underlying tendon degeneration. Frequent use may also interfere with the body’a natural healing processes. That being said, they can often be used in very stubborn cases to facilitate appropriate rehabilitation. What must be said is if the rehabilitation is not applied appropriately, the condition will most likely come back in over 85% of cases (ref link).
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections
PRP therapy involves injecting a high concentration of a patient's own platelets to stimulate healing and repair of damaged and inflamed tissue. PRP has been shown to promote tissue repair through natural biological processes, reducing local inflammation and encouraging tendon healing. Studies have demonstrated that while both PRP and corticosteroid injections can provide initial pain relief, PRP offers more significant improvements in pain and function at 24-week follow-ups (ref link)
Hyaluronic Acid Injections
Traditionally used for joint osteoarthritis, hyaluronic acid injections aim to lubricate the joint and reduce pain. Their efficacy in treating gluteal tendinopathy and lateral hip bursitis is less established compared to PRP, but can also be used in some cases to promote tissue healing and health.
Comparing Short and Long-Term Benefits
Corticosteroid injections offer quick pain relief, making them suitable for short-term symptom management. However, their benefits tend to diminish over time, and they do not promote tissue healing. In contrast, PRP injections may have a slower onset of pain relief but contribute to long-term improvement by addressing the underlying tendon pathology. Patients receiving PRP have reported sustained pain reduction and functional enhancement beyond 24 weeks post-injection.
Dynamic Regenerative Medicine in Birmingham
At Dynamic Regenerative Medicine, at our Birmingham clinics, specialise in advanced, non-surgical treatments for musculoskeletal conditions, including lateral hip bursitis and gluteal tendinopathy. We are a very experienced musculoskeletal pain and injury clinic, with an approach that is evidence-based, utilising therapies such as PRP to harness the body’s natural healing capabilities. We are committed to providing personalised care to help patients achieve lasting relief and improved function.
Evidence-Based Practice
Our treatment protocols are grounded in scientific research and clinical evidence. Studies have highlighted the efficacy of PRP in promoting tendon healing and providing long-term pain relief. For instance, research comparing PRP and corticosteroid injections found that PRP led to significant improvements in pain and function at 24-week follow-ups.
In conclusion, understanding the nuances of lateral hip bursitis and gluteal tendinopathy is crucial for effective management. While conservative treatments remain the first line of defense, injection therapies like PRP offer promising long-term benefits by addressing the root causes of tendon pathology. At Dynamic Regenerative Medicine, we are dedicated to providing cutting-edge, evidence-based treatments to help our patients return to their daily activities with reduced pain and improved quality of life.
Get in touch to find out more
If you’re struggling with pain or injury and seeking a safe, effective, and minimally invasive treatment option, injection therapy at Dynamic Regenerative Medicine can offer the solution you need. With our specialist UK clinics, we’re here to help you achieve faster recovery, reduced pain, and a return to your active lifestyle.
Contact us today to schedule a FREE consultation and learn more about how popular musculoskeletal regenerative therapies such as PRP can support your pain or injury recovery journey. At Dynamic Regenerative Medicine, we’re committed to your health, performance, and well-being.
Dynamic Regenerative Medicine
01564 330773
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