Outer hip pain is something we see far more often than people realise. For some, it’s an annoying niggle when walking the dog. For others, it’s sharp, persistent pain that makes lying on the side at night impossible. One of the most common causes we find is Greater Trochanteric Bursitis (also called Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome).
Many patients come to us after trying to manage it themselves or after going through the standard NHS route. While those pathways can help some people, they often don’t offer longer-term relief, particularly if the root cause hasn’t been identified. At RS Podiatry Clinic, we take a different approach, combining a thorough assessment with treatments like MLS Laser Therapy, custom orthotics, and targeted exercise programmes to not only ease pain but actually help the hip heal.
What is Greater Trochanteric Bursitis?
The greater trochanter is the bony lump on the outside of your upper thigh bone. Around it are strong tendons from the gluteal muscles and a small fluid-filled sac called the bursa. The bursa’s job is to reduce friction between bone and soft tissue. When it gets irritated or inflamed, it becomes painful, sometimes extremely so.
It’s a condition we most often see in women over 40, especially post-menopausal women. Hormonal changes, anatomy, and reduced tendon elasticity all play a part. It’s also common in people who are on their feet a lot, walk on uneven surfaces, or have changes in walking pattern due to another injury or joint problem.
Common symptoms of Greater Trochanteric Bursitis
Patients often tell us they experience:
- Pain over the outside of the hip, sometimes radiating down the thigh
- Discomfort when lying on the affected side
- Pain climbing stairs or getting up from a low chair
- A deep aching after sitting for long periods
- Tenderness when pressing the outer hip
If this sounds familiar, and it’s not getting better on its own, it’s worth having it assessed before it becomes a chronic, harder-to-treat problem.
Why it happens
We see it develop for a mix of reasons:
- Weakness or imbalance in the gluteal muscles
- Overuse or repetitive hip movements
- Leg length differences
- Foot or ankle problems altering gait
- Previous lower limb injury
- Hormonal changes in post-menopausal women
- Carrying extra weight, which increases hip load
The usual NHS pathway
The NHS often recommends rest, pain relief, and physiotherapy. Some patients are offered steroid injections. While steroids can reduce inflammation quickly, the effect isn’t always long-lasting, and they carry a small risk of tendon weakening or tissue thinning. They also don’t fix the underlying problem — meaning the pain can return.
Our approach at RS Podiatry Clinic
We always start with a detailed musculoskeletal assessment to understand exactly why the problem has developed. This can include:
- Looking at hip muscle strength and control
- Assessing foot posture and gait mechanics
- Reviewing footwear and activity levels
From there, we design a treatment plan that’s specific to you. This often includes MLS Laser Therapy, custom orthotics, and a personalised exercise programme.
MLS Laser Therapy, why we use it
MLS Laser Therapy works by delivering two synchronised wavelengths of light that penetrate deep into the tissues. This reduces inflammation, relieves pain, and stimulates tissue repair.
Our patients choose it because:
- It’s non-invasive — no injections, no medication
- There are no side effects
- It works alongside exercise rehabilitation rather than replacing it
- Many patients notice improvements after just a few sessions
- It helps address the tissue healing process rather than simply masking pain
Yes, it’s a more premium treatment compared to rest, painkillers, or a steroid shot — but for many people, the benefits and results make it worthwhile.
Patient Story – Why one woman travelled from Droitwich Spa to see us
One lady contacted us after struggling with hip pain for nearly a year. She had already been given two different pairs of orthotics elsewhere, neither of which made any difference, she had tried the typical treatment options, however, she was unable to walk comfortably or sleep on her side. She didn’t want a steroid injection and was looking for a solution that would address the cause rather than just mask the pain.
She travelled from Droitwich Spa specifically to see us at RS Podiatry Clinic after reading about our MLS Laser Therapy. We carried out a full biomechanical assessment, provided a pair of orthotics designed specifically for her needs, and gave her a progressive gluteal strengthening programme. Alongside this, she had a course of MLS Laser Therapy.
Within three weeks, she reported a marked reduction in pain, better walking comfort, and the ability to sleep without being woken by hip pain. She has since returned to her regular walks and remains pain-free.
If hip pain is stopping you enjoying life, don’t wait for it to get worse. We’ve helped many people, including those who’ve tried other treatments without success, get back to moving comfortably.
Call RS Podiatry Clinic on 07516 425 748 or book online. Early treatment really can make the difference.
Greater Trochanteric Bursitis can be stubborn, but it doesn’t have to be permanent. With the right assessment, a tailored treatment plan, and advanced options like MLS Laser Therapy, there is a way forward, and we’d be happy to help you find it.