How common is buttock pain in gluteal tendinopathy?

Gluteal tendinopathy affects the tendons of muscles that help stabilise and move the hip. Pain may sit on the side of the buttock, become sore when lying on that side, or increase with stairs, hills, running, or standing on one leg. Sitting with the legs crossed or allowing the hip to drop inward can also irritate the area.

The symptom does not identify one diagnosis by itself. Hip joint problems, referred pain from the lower back, and other soft-tissue conditions can feel similar. A clinician considers the location, triggers, strength, movement, and nerve symptoms together.

Reduce activities that sharply increase pain for a short period, while keeping comfortable movement. Avoid repeatedly stretching the sore side into strong compression and try not to sleep directly on it. A pillow between the knees or beneath the top leg may reduce pressure.

A physiotherapist can guide gradual strengthening of the hip and trunk, adjusting the load so symptoms remain manageable. Note which movements provoke pain, whether walking is affected, and how symptoms respond later that day; this makes the assessment more useful.

Arrange an assessment if pain is persistent, limits walking or sleep, follows an injury, or keeps returning despite reducing aggravating activities. Seek urgent help for severe pain after major trauma, inability to bear weight, new leg weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, or numbness around the inner thighs.

Ask whether the pain location and loading pattern fit gluteal tendinopathy, which movements should be modified, and how strengthening will progress. You can also ask what other hip or back causes need consideration and what change should prompt earlier review.