Expert Sports Injury
Care in San Diego

A new ache in your hip can change how you work out, take a long walk, or even climb a flight of stairs. If you notice pain after running, tenderness along the outside of your hip, or discomfort that makes it hard to lie on one side, you may have inflammation or irritation of the hip tendon. 

Hip Tendinitis most commonly affects adults over 40, and women are around four times more likely than men to experience it. Hip tendinitis develops when a tendon becomes irritated, commonly after repeated stress or a sudden increase in activity. The gluteal tendons, which connect the buttock muscles to the thighbone, are a common source of pain with tendinitis. For active adults, getting an early diagnosis and expert treatment are the best way to return to exercise safely and quickly. 

Continue reading to learn how the best hip surgeon in Southern California treats hip and sports-related injuries with personalized treatments that range from regenerative therapy to minimally invasive tendon repair surgery. 

How Does Hip Tendinitis Develop?

Tendons are strong bands of tissue that connect muscles to bones. Around the hip, they help control movement and stabilize the joint during activities like walking, running, climbing stairs, and standing on one leg.

Hip tendinitis is a condition that refers to irritation or inflammation affecting a tendon around the hip. This condition often develops in athletes or active individuals because repeated loading can place more stress on a tendon than it can comfortably handle, leading to pain and reduced function.

Different Types of Hip Tendinitis

The term hip tendinitis can describe several problems, depending on which tendon is affected. One common source of pain is the group of gluteal tendons on the outside of the hip. These tendons connect the gluteus medius and gluteus minimus muscles to the upper thighbone.

Hip tendon problems can also involve tissue changes known as tendinopathy. This term describes a tendon that has become painful and less healthy, sometimes due to repeated stress over time. A tendon may also develop a partial or complete tear.

Understanding the type of tendon injury is important because irritation and a significant tear may require different treatments.

What Causes Hip Tendon Irritation?

Hip tendinitis can develop when exercise, daily movement, or an injury places repeated stress on the tendons. Those who are active usually notice symptoms after increasing their training or returning to exercise after a break. Common causes include:

• Repetitive activities like running, hiking, cycling, and other repeated movements can place ongoing stress on the muscles and tendons around the hip.
• A sudden increase in training, including adding distance, speed, hills, or workout intensity too quickly. 
• Weakness in the muscles that support the hip and pelvis can affect movement and increase stress on nearby tendons.
• A sudden impact can irritate or damage a tendon, including the gluteal tendons.
• A sudden shift from limited activity to demanding exercise can place more load on tissues that are not prepared for it.
• A partial or complete tear can cause persistent pain and weakness, especially when the injury affects the muscles that stabilize the hip.

Age-related tendon changes and other health factors can also contribute to tendon problems.

What Does Hip Tendinitis Feel Like?

Hip tendon irritation can cause pain during activity and a lingering discomfort afterward. Symptoms can include:

• Pain on the outside of the hip, near the bony area at the side of the hip.
• Pain with exercise, especially running, walking uphill, or climbing stairs
• Pain when lying on your side
• Tenderness to the touch
• Stiffness or reduced movement
• Weakness or a limp

Symptoms usually develop gradually or begin after a specific injury. Persistent pain, noticeable weakness, or difficulty walking all deserve emergency medical attention, and a sudden injury followed by severe pain or an inability to bear weight should be assessed promptly.

Treatments for Hip Tendinitis

Some hip tendon problems can be managed without surgery. Some non-surgical treatments that can reduce irritation, improve strength, and help the tendon tolerate activity again include: 

1. Activity Modification

Continuing to push through painful exercise can keep an irritated tendon under stress. An orthopedic surgeon or physical therapist can guide you in temporarily reducing activities that trigger symptoms or adjusting activities to avoid repeated strain.

2. Physical Therapy

Physical therapy can also help restore strength, movement control, and function around the hip. A personalized PT program focuses on strengthening the gluteal muscles and improving how the hip and pelvis work together. For gluteal tendon problems, treatment may also include adjusting positions and activities that put pressure on the outside of the hip.

Regenerative Treatments For Hip Tendon Injuries

When activity changes and physical therapy do not provide enough relief, regenerative therapy may help: 

1. Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is made from a sample of your own blood. The blood sample is processed to concentrate platelets, which contain substances involved in the body's healing response. Arthrex ACP PRP therapy works well for many musculoskeletal conditions, including tendon injuries and soft tissue repair. 

2. Other Injectable Orthobiologics

Interfyl, a placental tissue matrix injection, is another good regenerative treatment option. These treatments can work well for certain soft tissue injuries and chronic pain conditions, but expert evaluation from the best orthopedic surgeon in Southern California is necessary before deciding if orthobiologics are right for you. 

When Is Tendon Repair Surgery Necessary?

Hip surgery is usually recommended when a tendon has a significant tear or when symptoms continue despite an appropriate course of conservative treatment.

For gluteal tendon injuries, the decision depends on the tear's extent, the level of pain and weakness, and how much the injury affects daily life. While some partial tears improve with physical therapy and other nonsurgical care, more severe or persistent injuries may need surgical repair. A surgical evaluation is usually necessary when you have:

• Persistent pain that limits walking, exercise, or sleep
• Ongoing weakness around the hip
• Difficulty climbing stairs or standing on the affected leg
• A confirmed tendon tear that has not improved with conservative treatment
• Symptoms that continue to interfere with your usual activities

Find the Best Hip Surgeon in Southern California for Hip Tendinitis

Hip tendinitis can make it difficult to stay active, but modern treatment can help you manage pain and work toward restoring your mobility. The first step is identifying the source of the problem. 

Dr. Sanjum Samagh is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with advanced training in orthopedic sports medicine and experience treating hip and sports-related injuries. At our state-of-the-art clinic in Encinitas, Dr. Samagh offers personalized care, including non-surgical treatment, regenerative therapies, and tendon repair surgery when appropriate. 

Patients in Leucadia, Del Mar, Solana Beach, Cardiff, Carlsbad, Oceanside, Torrey Pines, and throughout North County and Southern California trust us for a patient-first approach that considers your injury, activity level, and goals before recommending treatment. When surgery is necessary, Dr. Samagh uses specialized techniques to address the damaged tendon and support recovery. 

Ready to get back to enjoying pain-free living with the best hip pain treatment in Southern California?