Understanding Lateral Hip Pain
Pain on the outside of the hip can make simple activities surprisingly difficult. You may notice an ache while walking, climbing stairs, standing for a long time, getting up from a chair, or lying on one side at night.
This pattern is often described as lateral hip pain. It may involve the gluteal tendons and tissues around the greater trochanter, the bony area at the side of the hip. The term greater trochanteric pain syndrome is commonly used because the problem is not always limited to inflammation of a bursa.
What Does Lateral Hip Pain Feel Like?
Common symptoms may include:
- Tenderness over the bony point on the outside of the hip
- Aching that may travel down the outside of the thigh
- Pain when lying on the affected side
- Discomfort with stairs, hills, longer walks, or running
- Pain when standing on one leg or getting out of a low chair
- Stiffness or soreness after sitting for a long time
Hip pain can also come from the lower back, the hip joint, or another structure. A proper assessment is important because different causes may require different treatment.
Why Can It Develop?
Lateral hip pain may develop after a sudden increase in walking, running, stair use, or standing. A direct fall onto the hip can also irritate the area. In other cases, symptoms build gradually as the tissues are repeatedly compressed or asked to manage more load than they are ready for.
Strength, walking mechanics, sleep positions, changes in activity, and movement at the lower back, pelvis, knee, and ankle may all influence the load placed on the hip.
Why Complete Rest Is Rarely the Long-Term Answer
Reducing an aggravating activity for a short time may calm symptoms, but prolonged avoidance can reduce strength and make the hip less prepared for daily demands. The goal is usually to adjust the amount of activity, then build tolerance again in a planned way.
Stretching is not automatically helpful for every type of lateral hip pain. Some positions can increase compression at the side of the hip, which is why exercises should be selected according to the assessment rather than from a one-size-fits-all routine.
How Physiotherapy Can Help
A physiotherapy assessment may examine hip and lower-back movement, strength, balance, walking, and the activities that reproduce symptoms. Treatment may include:
- Education about positions and activities that may be aggravating the hip
- A progressive strengthening program for the hip and supporting leg muscles
- Mobility work when a specific restriction is contributing to movement difficulty
- Hands-on treatment when appropriate for pain or stiffness
- Guidance for modifying walking, running, work, or exercise temporarily
- A gradual return plan based on function rather than pain alone
When to Seek an Assessment
Consider an assessment if hip pain is persistent, affects sleep, changes the way you walk, or limits work and recreation. Seek prompt medical care after a significant fall, if you cannot bear weight, or if pain is accompanied by fever, marked swelling, unexplained illness, or new numbness or weakness.
Contact Us Today!
At Health Plus Physiotherapy in Woodbridge, we assess the hip as part of the whole movement system. Your treatment plan may focus on reducing irritation, improving strength, and helping you return to walking, sleep, work, and exercise with greater comfort.
If Woodbridge is not the most convenient location, our North Brampton and South Brampton clinics are also available to support your recovery.
Contact our Woodbridge clinic today to schedule an assessment with one of our experienced physiotherapists.
