Does gluteal tendinopathy cause hip pain?

The gluteal tendons connect the buttock muscles to the outer hip and help steady the pelvis. Irritation may cause tenderness over the outer hip, pain when lying on that side, or discomfort with stairs, hills, running, or standing on one leg.

Pain from the hip can also arise from the hip joint, lower back, or other nearby structures. Location and triggers provide clues, but they cannot confirm the cause on their own; a clinician can assess strength, movement, and tenderness.

For now, reduce activities that create a clear flare, such as steep walking, repeated stairs, or prolonged single-leg standing. Avoid resting directly on the sore side and consider placing a pillow between the knees when lying on the other side.

Gentle, comfortable movement is usually preferable to keeping the hip completely still. Physiotherapy may introduce progressive exercises that build hip strength and improve tolerance, with the load adjusted to your symptoms.

Book an assessment when hip pain persists, affects sleep, changes your walking, or prevents normal work and exercise. Seek urgent care after a fall if you cannot put weight through the leg or the hip looks deformed.

Prompt medical advice is needed for fever, a hot swollen joint, sudden severe pain, new weakness, spreading numbness, or difficulty controlling bladder or bowel movements.

Is the pain centred over the gluteal tendons or inside the hip joint? Which activities should I reduce temporarily? What progression of strengthening and walking would be appropriate for my current symptoms?