Thegluteus mediusis a muscle located at the sides of the hips.

Pain in the gluteus medius often results from the muscle being too weak or when the muscle is overused.

Gluteus medius pain can also stem from low-back problems.

Woman with hip pain

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This article will review causes and symptoms of gluteus medius pain and ways to get relief.

The gluteus medius plays an important role in stabilizing the pelvis.

When the gluteus medius lacks enough strength and muscular endurance, it can become fatigued quickly.

This can result in muscle soreness and pain at the outside of the hips.

The gluteus medius muscle is often cut into duringtotal hip replacement surgerywith a posterolateral approach.

Pain can also result from the incision itself.

If physical activity continues further without proper rest, tendonitis of the gluteus medius can lead totrochanteric bursitis.

This referred pain in the lower back comes from issues that affect the spinal discs and nerves.

Try laying on your back and pulling your leg across your body to stretch the outside of your hip.

It should be noted that stretching should only be performed if you experience relief afterward.

Stretching, however, is not always helpful for gluteus medius pain.

Anti-inflammatory medications, muscle relaxers, and pain-relieving medications may be able to help.

Physical therapy is also typically recommended to help restore proper functioning of your gluteus medius.

Consider talking with your PCP first to determine the best treatment for your symptoms.

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