The gluteal muscles, commonly known as the “glutes,” are a group of three muscles that form the buttocks: the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, and gluteus minimus. These muscles play a significant role in stabilizing the pelvis, controlling lower body movements, and maintaining proper posture. They are essential for activities such as walking, running, and standing on one leg, contributing to hip extension, abduction, and rotation.
The Immediate Sensation
A gluteal tear often begins with a sudden, sharp pain felt at the moment of injury. This acute feeling can be likened to something tearing or snapping internally. The initial pain can vary, ranging from an intense, localized sharp pain to a deep, persistent ache that settles in the affected area.
The pain is typically concentrated in the buttock, side of the hip, or upper thigh. Unlike general muscle soreness, which develops gradually, an acute gluteal tear presents with immediate and often severe discomfort, traceable to a specific event or activity.
How Movement Affects the Feeling
Pain and other sensations from a gluteal tear intensify with movement and specific activities. Walking, running, or climbing stairs commonly aggravate the discomfort. Sitting for prolonged periods or standing up from a seated position can also heighten pain.
Stretching the affected leg or movements like abduction or hip rotation can elicit a sharp, shooting pain. Other movements might trigger a more generalized, dull, and persistent ache. Lying directly on the injured side can also worsen the pain due to direct pressure on the affected muscle.
The injury can also noticeably affect one’s gait, leading to a limp, a waddling walking pattern, or a sensation of the pelvis dropping on the unsupported side. This alteration in how one walks is a clear indicator of the muscle’s impaired function.
Other Sensations and Signs
Beyond pain, a gluteal tear can manifest through other sensations and physical signs. Individuals might experience weakness or instability in the hip or leg, making it difficult to balance, stand, or bear weight on the affected side. This weakness can impact daily tasks and overall mobility.
Stiffness in the affected area is common, particularly after periods of rest. The injured muscle might feel tender to the touch, especially over the lateral hip or the greater trochanter, which is the bony prominence on the side of the upper thigh. Some individuals might recall a distinct popping or snapping sensation at the moment of injury.
Visible signs include bruising, swelling, and inflammation in the buttock region. The pain may also radiate down the side of the leg, sometimes extending to the knee or even the lower leg. In addition, some individuals with a gluteal tear may experience associated lower back pain.