When Hip Weakness Comes From a Gluteal Tendon Tear
Gluteus medius and minimus tears affect the tendons that help stabilize the hip and support normal walking and movement.
These injuries can cause persistent pain along the outside of the hip, weakness, limping, and difficulty with activities such as climbing stairs, standing on one leg, or lying on the affected side.
Dr. Shore evaluates the severity of the tear, the quality of the tendon, and the impact on function to determine whether conservative care or surgical repair may be appropriate.
What Is a Gluteus Medius Tear?
The gluteus medius and minimus stabilize the hip. These muscles attach from the pelvis to the greater trochanter on the femur. They keep the pelvis level during walking and running.
A tear develops when the tendon partially or completely detaches from the bone. Sudden acceleration, repetitive strain, or tendon degeneration often causes this injury.
Runners and court-sport athletes frequently experience gluteus medius tears.
When to Seek Treatment for a Gluteus Tear
You may benefit from an evaluation when:
Discomfort worsens with stairs, walking, or lying on the affected side
You notice a limp or feel unsteady on one leg
Hip weakness has reduced your ability to exercise or stay active
Sleep is interrupted by hip or thigh pain
Each evaluation includes a physical exam, imaging review, and a full discussion of treatment options.
How Dr. Shore Treats Gluteus Tears
Treatment depends on the size of the tear, your symptoms, and your activity goals. Dr. Shore reviews your imaging and exam findings, then walks you through each option.
What Causes a Gluteus Medius Tear?
Several factors can strain or weaken the gluteus medius tendon:
Repetitive overuse from running, hiking, or high-impact sports like soccer and basketball
A sudden burst of activity or awkward landing
Degenerative wear over time, especially in women over 40
Chronic tendinitis that weakens the tendon attachment
Hip muscle imbalance or poor biomechanics
This isn’t just a sports injury. Daily wear and tear accounts for many cases seen in active adults throughout Los Angeles and Orange County.
COMPREHENSIVE HIP EXPERTISE
Specialized Experience in
Gluteal Tendon Repair
Dr. Brett Shore is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in comprehensive hip care, including the diagnosis and treatment of gluteus medius and minimus tears.
His experience in hip preservation and minimally invasive surgery allows him to evaluate both the tendon injury and the broader condition of the hip before recommending treatment.
When surgery is appropriate, the goal is to restore tendon function, improve hip stability, reduce pain, and help patients return to everyday activity.
How Early Diagnosis Can Protect Your Hip
When a gluteus tear is identified before the tendon fully detaches, treatment can:
- Relieve outer hip pain and tenderness
- Prevent further tendon damage
- Restore normal gait and stability
- Reduce the risk of long-term disability
- Shorten overall recovery time
When the tear has already progressed, surgical tendon repair can help you regain strength and return to daily life.
Gluteus Tear Repair
in Los Angeles
Looking for a Los Angeles gluteus tear repair specialist? Dr. Shore sees patients at his Marina del Rey clinic, located inside DISC Sports and Spine Center.
The facility is set up for outpatient orthopedic evaluations, imaging review, and same-day treatment planning.
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Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS)
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Hip pain can limit your activity and affect your daily life. Dr. Shore can help you understand your options and start recovery.
