Understanding Lateral Hip Pain: Causes and Treatments

What is lateral hip pain?

Lateral hip pain refers to symptoms felt on the outer side of the hip. It develops when the tendons or bursa in this region become irritated through repeated loading or compression. Conditions commonly linked with this pain include gluteal tendinopathy and bursitis.

Who gets lateral hip pain?

This condition is often seen in distance runners, women over 40, and people who spend long periods standing or sitting. Changes in training load, hip muscle weakness, or reduced control around the pelvis can increase susceptibility.

Lateral hip pain symptoms

Symptoms may include aching on the outer hip, tenderness to touch, discomfort when crossing the legs, and pain during side lying. Some people also experience symptoms that travel down the outer thigh towards the knee.

Lateral hip pain causes

Lateral hip pain usually develops from irritation of the gluteus medius and minimus tendons or the trochanteric bursa. Factors such as muscle weakness, stiffness, altered hip mechanics, and repeated compression during walking or running can contribute.

Lateral hip pain treatments

Treatment often focuses on improving hip strength, reducing irritation of the tendons, and modifying aggravating activities. Physiotherapy may include targeted exercises, load management advice, and strategies to reduce pressure on the outer hip during daily tasks.

If you struggle with lateral hip pain, speak to one of our Physiotherapists about what could be

causing this and appropriate strategies for management.

Luke Chetcuti

Sports Physiotherapist

Brukner & Khan (2017), Brukner & Khan’s Clinical Sport Medicine (5 th Edition), Volume 1, Injuries