Gluteal Tendonitis Causes, Symptoms & Treatment Options

The buttocks comprise three gluteal muscles: the gluteus maximus, the gluteus medius, and the gluteus minimus. The gluteal tendons are strong, fibrous tissues that connect the gluteal muscles to the hip bones. These tendons can become inflamed, resulting in gluteal tendonitis or gluteal tendinopathy. Tiny tears in the tendons can also develop due to chronic wear and tear over time. This condition can cause significant lateral hip pain and limit physical activity.

Gluteal tendonitis is usually caused by overuse of the gluteal muscles, putting athletes at greater risk for this injury. Another contributing factor is muscle fatigue, which can create an imbalance among the gluteal muscles that support the hip. This imbalance can lead to glute muscle inflammation, further exacerbating symptoms.

Gluteal tendonitis is most common in these sports:

• Soccer
• Tennis
• Cycling
• Running

In some individuals, the condition may be more specifically identified as gluteus medius tendonitis, particularly when pain is localized to the outer part of the hip.

• Pain that gets worse with activity, especially running or jumping
• Stiffness, especially at night and first thing in the morning

Most cases of gluteal tendonitis will resolve with home care. But if your pain persists and you have other symptoms, such as radiating pain and numbness, you should make an appointment to see your doctor. At your visit, your doctor may ask about your injury, the sports you play, and if you have had previous injuries to your hip. This information will help your doctor make a diagnosis.

Your doctor will conduct a physical examination, looking for signs of loss of range of motion, muscle tightness or weakness, and tenderness. Diagnostic tests, such as an ultrasound scan or MRI, may be ordered to help evaluate the extent of your hip tendon pain and rule out other conditions.

It’s important to give your gluteal tendons time to recover by avoiding sports that make the pain worse. Additional conservative treatments may include:

• Applying ice or cold packs to reduce swelling and pain
• Taking anti-inflammatory medication (e.g. aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen) for pain
• Stretching and strengthening exercises
• Consulting with a physical therapist

Try these exercises to help address your condition:

Below is a PDF of the Exercise Program

Gluteal Tendonitis

Athletes can expect to return to sport quickly, but starting with a lower intensity than prior to the injury. Follow your doctor or physical therapist’s guidance on how to slowly ramp back up to your previous level, and stop if activity causes pain. Stretching and strengthening exercises will help improve your range of motion and strength, as well as help to prevent re-injury.