About Liv

Why Do I Have Pain in the Side of My Buttocks, Outer Hip, and Upper Thigh?

Last Updated on November 18, 2025 by Ugurkan Demir

Why Do I Have Pain in the Side of My Buttocks, Outer Hip, and Upper Thigh?
Why Do I Have Pain in the Side of My Buttocks, Outer Hip, and Upper Thigh? 2

Do you often feel pain in your outer hip, upper thigh, or the side of your buttocks? At Liv Hospital, we know how much this pain can affect your life. Our team is here to help you with all the care and support you need.

Greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS) is a common issue in the outer hip area. It tends to affect women and older adults more. Knowing the causes and treatments is key to getting better. Our medical experts will guide you through diagnosis and treatment, making sure you get the care you deserve.

Key Takeaways

  • GTPS is a common cause of pain in the outer hip and upper thigh area.
  • Women and older adults are more likely to experience GTPS.
  • Proper diagnosis is essential for effective treatment.
  • Liv Hospital offers complete care for patients with GTPS and similar conditions.
  • Understanding your symptoms is the first step towards recovery.

side of buttocks pain

Do you have pain on the outer hip or upper thigh? This pain can really affect your day. At Liv Hospital, we use our medical knowledge and care to help you figure out and fix these issues.

Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS) is a common reason for this pain. It’s more common in women and older people. It causes pain in the outer buttock and hip area. The pain comes from the gluteal tendons and bursa over the greater trochanter.

GTPS symptoms can last from weeks to months. How long it lasts depends on how bad it is and how well you follow treatment. Knowing about the anatomy and structures involved is key to diagnosing and treating GTPS well.

Key Takeaways

  • GTPS is a common cause of outer hip and buttock pain.
  • The condition is more prevalent in women and older adults.
  • Gluteal tendons and bursa are the main structures involved in GTPS.
  • Symptoms can persist for several weeks to months without proper treatment.
  • Understanding the anatomy is key for effective diagnosis and treatment.

Understanding the Anatomy of Hip, Buttock, and Thigh Region

side of buttocks pain

Knowing the anatomy of the hip, buttock, and thigh is key to diagnosing and treating pain. The hip area has bones, muscles, tendons, and bursae that work together. They help with movement and keep the area stable.

Key Structures in the Hip and Buttock Area

The hip joint connects the femur (thigh bone) with the pelvis. The greater trochanter on the femur is important for muscle and tendon attachment. The gluteal muscles, like the gluteus maximus, medius, and minimus, are vital for hip movement and stability.

The gluteal tendons link these muscles to the greater trochanter. This allows for hip abduction and rotation. The bursae around the greater trochanter reduce friction, making movement smooth.

The Greater Trochanter and Surrounding Tissues

The greater trochanter is a key landmark in the hip area. It’s where the gluteal tendons attach. Inflammation or irritation of these tendons can cause pain near the hip.

The trochanteric bursa, between the greater trochanter and gluteal tendons, can also get inflamed. This leads to pain and discomfort.

How These Structures Work Together

The hip joint, gluteal muscles, tendons, and bursae work together for movement. This includes walking, running, and climbing stairs. Understanding their interaction is vital for diagnosing and treating buttock hip pain.

Anatomical Structure Function Common Issues
Greater Trochanter Attachment point for gluteal tendons Trochanteric bursitis, tendonitis
Gluteal Tendons Connect gluteal muscles to greater trochanter Tendinopathy, tears
Trochanteric Bursa Reduces friction between tendons and bone Bursitis, inflammation

Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS): A Common Culprit

The outer hip and buttock area can be a source of significant discomfort for many individuals. This is often due to a condition known as Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS). We will examine this condition in detail to understand its causes, risk factors, and duration.

What is GTPS?

GTPS is characterized by pain in the outer hip and buttock area. It is often associated with tenderness over the greater trochanter. This condition can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life, making everyday activities challenging.

Who is Most at Risk for GTPS?

GTPS is more common in women and older adults. Individuals who engage in repetitive activities or have biomechanical issues are also at a higher risk. Understanding these risk factors can help in both prevention and early intervention.

How GTPS Develops

GTPS can develop due to repetitive stress, trauma, or biomechanical issues. For instance, runners or cyclists may experience GTPS due to repetitive strain on the hip area. Individuals with poor posture or those who have had a traumatic injury to the hip may also develop this condition.

How Long Does Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome Last?

The duration of GTPS can vary significantly from one individual to another. Symptoms can last from several weeks to many months. With appropriate treatment and self-care strategies, many individuals can experience significant improvement. The recovery time can be influenced by factors such as the severity of the condition, effectiveness of treatment, and individual adherence to recommended therapies.

Understanding the duration and factors influencing GTPS is key for managing expectations and developing appropriate treatment strategies. We will continue to explore the causes, diagnosis, and treatment options in subsequent sections.

Common Causes of Side of Buttocks Pain

Pain on the side of the buttocks can stem from many issues. Knowing what causes this pain is key to treating it. We’ll look at the different factors that lead to this pain, helping you understand your condition better.

Trauma and Injury

Direct trauma to the buttock area can cause pain on the side of the buttocks. This can happen from a fall, a blow to the area, or other impacts. The pain’s severity depends on the injury’s extent.

A bruise or contusion might cause pain that goes away with rest. But, more serious injuries like fractures or muscle damage need medical help.

Repetitive Overuse Injuries

Repetitive overuse injuries are a common cause of buttock pain. Activities like running or cycling can irritate and inflame the tissues. This is because they put repetitive stress on the hip and buttock area.

Such injuries often affect athletes or those who do strenuous activities without proper rest or training.

Gluteal Muscle Injuries

Gluteal muscle injuries, like strains and tears, can also cause pain. These injuries might happen from sudden muscle contraction, overstretching, or direct trauma.

The pain’s severity can range from mild to severe, depending on the muscle damage’s extent.

Cause Common Symptoms Typical Treatment
Trauma and Injury Pain, bruising, swelling Rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE)
Repetitive Overuse Injuries Pain during activity, stiffness Rest, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications
Gluteal Muscle Injuries Pain, limited mobility, muscle weakness Rest, physical therapy, stretching exercises

Other Medical Conditions

Other medical conditions can also cause pain in the buttocks. These include sciatica, piriformis syndrome, and lumbar disc herniation.

Seeing a healthcare professional is important to find the cause of your pain and get the right treatment.

Pain Patterns in Hip, Buttock, and Thigh

It’s important to know how pain in the hip, buttock, and thigh shows up. Pain here can come from different things, so it’s key to spot the signs and what causes it.

Pain at Top of Leg Near Hip

Pain at the top of the leg near the hip is common. This pain is often linked to greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS). It usually feels on the outer side of the hip.

Walking or climbing stairs can make this pain worse. Sometimes, the pain spreads down the outside of the leg. This is called “pain in hip and down outside of leg.”

Outer Hip and Buttock Pain

Pain in the outer hip and buttock can come from muscle strains, tendonitis, or bursitis. This pain is sharp or stabbing. It gets worse with hip movement.

  • Sitting or lying on the affected side for too long makes it worse.
  • Pressure on the area, like crossing your legs, can also cause pain.

Upper Thigh and Buttock Pain

Pain in the upper thigh and buttock might be from gluteal muscles or the sciatic nerve. This pain can feel like a dull ache or a sharp, shooting pain.

Running, cycling, or climbing can make upper thigh buttock pain worse. Sometimes, you might also feel numbness or tingling.

Pain When Walking, Sitting, or Climbing Stairs

Pain when walking, sitting, or climbing stairs is really tough. It can be from osteoarthritis, GTPS, or muscle strains.

“Pain is usually worse with activities that put weight on the affected area,” says a top orthopedic specialist.

Knowing what activities make pain worse is key to finding the right treatment.

Diagnosing Hip, Buttock, and Thigh Pain

To find out why you’re feeling pain in your outer thigh, hip, and buttock, a detailed check is needed. Doctors use a few steps to figure out what’s causing the pain. This helps them create a plan to fix it.

Physical Examination

The first thing doctors do is a full physical check. They look at your medical history and check your body. They also see how well you can move your affected areas.

They might check for sore spots or do special moves to see if they make the pain worse. This helps them understand what’s going on.

Key parts of the physical check include:

  • Looking at how you walk and stand
  • Checking how well you can move and how strong you are
  • Feeling for sore spots or pain
  • Doing special tests to find specific problems

Imaging Tests

Even with a physical check, doctors might need to use imaging tests to be sure. X-rays, ultrasound, and MRI are common tests. They help find things like broken bones, tendonitis, or bursitis.

An MRI can show soft tissues clearly. This is useful for finding issues like greater trochanteric pain syndrome or tears in the gluteal tendons.

Differential Diagnosis

Differential diagnosis is a big part of figuring out what’s wrong. Doctors look at many possible reasons for your pain. They make sure to rule out other issues that could be causing it.

This careful process helps doctors find the real cause of your pain. Then, they can make a plan to help you feel better and move better.

Medical Treatment Options

Pain in the hip and buttock area can be treated in many ways. The right treatment depends on the cause, how bad the pain is, and the patient’s health.

Conservative Treatments

First, doctors often try conservative treatments for hip pain. These include:

  • Rest and changing activities to avoid making the pain worse
  • Physical therapy to build strength and flexibility
  • Using canes or walkers to ease the pressure on the hip

Physical Therapy Approaches

Physical therapy is key in managing hip and thigh pain. Therapists create a plan to:

  • Strengthen muscles around the hip and buttock
  • Improve flexibility and movement
  • Boost balance and lower fall risks

Medications for Pain Management

Doctors use different medicines for hip and buttock pain. These include:

  1. Over-the-counter pain relievers like NSAIDs
  2. Prescription drugs for more intense pain
  3. Corticosteroid injections to cut down inflammation

Interventional Procedures

For some, more detailed procedures are needed to find the pain’s cause. These include:

  • Corticosteroid injections for focused pain relief
  • Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy to help healing
  • Surgery for serious issues like hip fractures or severe osteoarthritis

Every person’s case is different, and the best treatment often combines these methods. Working with healthcare experts, people can find relief from hip pain and improve their life quality.

Home Remedies and Self-Care Strategies

There are many home remedies and self-care strategies to help with hip, buttock, and thigh pain. These methods are simple and can work well with medical treatments. We’ll look at different ways to manage pain and improve your life.

Rest and Activity Modification

Resting and changing activities can help a lot. Avoiding high-impact activities like running or jumping can ease the pain. Try low-impact exercises like swimming or cycling to stay mobile without hurting your condition.

Changing your daily activities is also key. Taking breaks when sitting for a long time can help. Using a properly ergonomic chair can also make a big difference.

Hot and Cold Therapy

Hot and cold therapy can offer a lot of relief. Cold therapy reduces inflammation and numbs the pain. Heat therapy relaxes muscles and improves blood flow. Switching between hot and cold packs can be helpful, but talk to a healthcare provider first.

Supportive Devices

Supportive devices can help by reducing strain. A hip brace or support can offer stability and comfort. Using a cane or walking stick can also help take pressure off your hip and buttock when walking.

Exercises and Stretches for Hip and Buttock Pain

Gentle exercises and stretches can greatly help with pain. Stretching exercises improve flexibility and reduce muscle tension. Strengthening exercises support the hip and buttock area, which can lessen pain.

  • Piriformis stretch: Sit with the affected leg crossed over the other, then turn your knee toward the opposite shoulder until you feel a stretch.
  • Gluteal strengthening: Lie on your back with knees bent, then lift your hips towards the ceiling, squeezing your glutes at the top.

Start slowly and gently with exercises, gradually increasing intensity and duration. A physical therapist or healthcare provider can give you personalized advice on the best exercises for your condition.

By using these home remedies and self-care strategies, you can actively manage hip, buttock, and thigh pain. This can reduce discomfort and improve your quality of life.

Prevention Strategies for Outer Hip and Thigh Pain

To prevent pain in the outer hip and thigh, you need a few key steps. These include doing the right exercises, managing your weight, and making ergonomic changes. By following these tips, you can lower your chances of feeling pain in hip and outside of thigh.

Proper Exercise Techniques

Strengthening the muscles around your hip and thigh can help prevent pain. It’s important to use proper techniques to avoid injury. We suggest talking to a healthcare professional or physical therapist to create a workout plan that’s right for you.

  • Warm up before exercising to prevent muscle strain.
  • Focus on exercises that strengthen the gluteal and hip muscles.
  • Avoid overexertion and gradually increase exercise intensity.

Maintaining Healthy Weight

Carrying extra weight can put extra stress on your hip and thigh, leading to pain. Keeping a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise can help reduce this stress. This can prevent buttock hip pain.

Ergonomic Considerations

Having an ergonomically set workspace and daily activities can prevent strain on your hip and thigh. This means adjusting your workspace to support good posture and taking breaks to move around.

  • Use a chair with proper lumbar support.
  • Position your computer monitor at eye level.
  • Take breaks to stretch and move around.

When to Seek Medical Help

Knowing when to get medical help for pain in top of thigh bone is important. If you have persistent or severe pain, or if it’s affecting your daily life, see a healthcare professional. They can evaluate and treat your condition properly.

By using these prevention strategies, you can lower your risk of outer hip and thigh pain. This helps you stay healthy and active.

Conclusion

We’ve looked into the hip, buttock, and thigh’s complex anatomy. We’ve talked about conditions like Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS) and other common causes of pain. Knowing what causes side of buttocks pain and hip woman upper outer thigh pain is key to managing it well.

Pain in these areas can really affect our daily lives. But, there are many ways to treat it. From physical therapy and medicines to more invasive procedures, there are options. By understanding the causes and trying these treatments, people can find relief and live better.

Preventing pain is also important. This includes doing exercises right, staying at a healthy weight, and using ergonomic products. If you’re dealing with ongoing or severe pain, it’s important to see a doctor. They can help figure out the best treatment for you.

FAQ

What is Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS)?

GTPS is a condition that causes pain in the outer buttock and hip. It often affects women and older adults. It happens when the gluteal tendons and surrounding bursa get inflamed or irritated.

How long does Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome last?

The time GTPS lasts varies from person to person. It depends on how severe the condition is and how well treatment works. With the right care, many people see big improvements in a few weeks to months.

What are the common causes of pain in the side of the buttocks?

Pain in the side of the buttocks can come from many sources. These include injuries, repetitive strain, muscle injuries, and other health issues. Knowing the cause is key to finding the right treatment.

How is hip, buttock, and thigh pain diagnosed?

Doctors start by doing a detailed physical exam. They might also use X-rays or MRI scans to confirm the diagnosis and check for other possible causes.

What are the treatment options for hip, buttock, and thigh pain?

Treatments vary. They can include physical therapy, medications, or even interventional procedures for severe pain. The right treatment depends on the cause and how bad the pain is.

Can hip, buttock, and thigh pain be prevented?

Yes, you can prevent pain by exercising right, staying at a healthy weight, and working in ergonomic environments. Knowing when to see a doctor is also important for early treatment.

What are some effective home remedies for managing hip, buttock, and thigh pain?

Home remedies include resting, using hot and cold therapy, and wearing supportive devices. Doing specific exercises and stretches can also help ease pain and improve function.

What is the role of physical therapy in treating GTPS?

Physical therapy is very important in treating GTPS. It helps improve hip and buttock function, reduces pain, and boosts mobility. This is done through targeted exercises and stretches.

How does maintaining a healthy weight help in preventing hip and thigh pain?

Keeping a healthy weight reduces stress and strain on the hip and thigh. This lowers the risk of getting conditions like GTPS and other musculoskeletal disorders.

When should I seek medical help for hip, buttock, and thigh pain?

You should see a doctor if the pain is severe, doesn’t go away, or gets in the way of your daily life. Early treatment can stop chronic pain and improve your outcome.

FAQ

 

 

What is Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS)?

GTPS is a condition that causes pain in the outer buttock and hip. It often affects women and older adults. It happens when the gluteal tendons and surrounding bursa get inflamed or irritated.

How long does Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome last?

The time GTPS lasts varies from person to person. It depends on how severe the condition is and how well treatment works. With the right care, many people see big improvements in a few weeks to months.

What are the common causes of pain in the side of the buttocks?

Pain in the side of the buttocks can come from many sources. These include injuries, repetitive strain, muscle injuries, and other health issues. Knowing the cause is key to finding the right treatment.

How is hip, buttock, and thigh pain diagnosed?

Doctors start by doing a detailed physical exam. They might also use X-rays or MRI scans to confirm the diagnosis and check for other possible causes.

What are the treatment options for hip, buttock, and thigh pain?

Treatments vary. They can include physical therapy, medications, or even interventional procedures for severe pain. The right treatment depends on the cause and how bad the pain is.

Can hip, buttock, and thigh pain be prevented?

Yes, you can prevent pain by exercising right, staying at a healthy weight, and working in ergonomic environments. Knowing when to see a doctor is also important for early treatment.

What are some effective home remedies for managing hip, buttock, and thigh pain?

Home remedies include resting, using hot and cold therapy, and wearing supportive devices. Doing specific exercises and stretches can also help ease pain and improve function.

What is the role of physical therapy in treating GTPS?

Physical therapy is very important in treating GTPS. It helps improve hip and buttock function, reduces pain, and boosts mobility. This is done through targeted exercises and stretches.

How does maintaining a healthy weight help in preventing hip and thigh pain?

Keeping a healthy weight reduces stress and strain on the hip and thigh. This lowers the risk of getting conditions like GTPS and other musculoskeletal disorders.

When should I seek medical help for hip, buttock, and thigh pain?

You should see a doctor if the pain is severe, doesn’t go away, or gets in the way of your daily life. Early treatment can stop chronic pain and improve your outcome.

References

  1. MedlinePlus. Numbness & Tingling (Medical Encyclopedia). Retrieved from https://www.medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003206.htm — A detailed medical overview of numbness and tingling, including causes such as nerve compression, circulation issues, and systemic disease.
  2. SpineDiagnostic. What Leg Numbness and Pain Can Mean. Retrieved from https://www.spinediagnostic.com/what-leg-numbness-and-pain-can-mean/ — Discusses possible origins of leg numbness and pain, including spinal, nerve, vascular and muscular causes.
  3. Healthline. Numbness in Legs and Feet: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/fibromyalgia/numbness-in-legs-and-feet — Explores many possible causes of leg and feet numbness, including conditions like fibromyalgia and peripheral neuropathy.
  4. Medical News Today. Numbness in Legs and Feet: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment. Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321560 — A comprehensive article covering causes, symptoms, and treatments of leg and foot numbness.
  5. Healthdirect. Limb Numbness – Causes, Treatment & Prevention. Retrieved from https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/limb-numbness — Gives an overview of limb numbness (including legs), its many possible causes, and general guidelines for when to seek medical help.

Subscribe to Liv E-newsletter