Gluteus Medius Tendinitis

The basics The Gluteus Medius muscle is located along the outer hip. It raises your leg out to the side (abduction) and also stabilizes the pelvis during weight bearing activities such as walking and running. The smaller Gluteus Minimus muscle lies underneath the Gluteus Medius and has the same function.

Signs and Symptoms Strains or tendinitis to either of these muscles results in pain along the outer hip and pain with hip motion. It may hurt when you walk, run or quickly change direction. Often the bursa sac located where the tendon attaches to the bone is also inflamed; this is called greater trochanteric bursitis and can result in similar pain.

Treatment Apply cold therapy and see the athletic trainer or your doctor for injury evaluation. Once the initial pain and inflammation begins to resolve, subsequent treatment includes modalities such as hotpack, along with light stretching and strengthening exercises. It is usually necessary to avoid running, jumping and other physical activities until the injury starts to heal. Alternative activities such as the stationary bike or elliptical trainer are often used until the athlete feels well enough to begin a gradual return to running.