THAT SHARP, BURNING PAIN ON THE OUTER SIDE OF YOUR HIP THAT MAKES LYING ON YOUR SIDE AT NIGHT OR CLIMBING STAIRS ABSOLUTE TORTURE ISN’T JUST ARTHRITIS—IT IS LATERAL HIP BURSITIS AND GLUTEAL TENDINOPATHY.

upper thigh bone (femur). Anchoring right over this bone are the tendons of your hip abductors (gluteus medius and minimus), protected by a small, lubricating fluid sac known as the trochanteric bursa.

⚙️ The Biomechanics

1️⃣ Pelvic Drop & Compression: When walking, running, or standing on one leg, weak hip stabilizers allow the pelvis to drop sideways, compressing the gluteal tendons tightly against the hard bone.

2️⃣ Frictional Micro-Trauma: This repetitive friction causes the gluteus medius tendon to undergo degenerative wear (tendinopathy), fraying at its bony insertion.

3️⃣ Bursal Inflammation: To