Hip bursitis is a common condition characterized by pain around the outside of the hip, which can extend to the thigh. This discomfort arises from the inflammation of bursae, small, fluid-filled sacs that cushion bones, tendons, and muscles around the hip joint. Steroid injections are frequently considered as a treatment option for managing the pain associated with this condition. This article explores how these injections work, what individuals can expect regarding pain relief, potential side effects, and other available treatment approaches for hip bursitis.
How Steroid Injections Work
Steroid injections, also known as corticosteroid injections, deliver powerful anti-inflammatory medication directly to the inflamed hip bursa. Corticosteroids are synthetic versions of cortisol, a natural hormone with anti-inflammatory properties. These medications reduce inflammation by slowing the production of chemicals that cause swelling and irritation.
The injection typically combines a corticosteroid with a local anesthetic. The anesthetic provides immediate, temporary pain relief, often within minutes. The corticosteroid then targets cellular processes contributing to inflammation. This direct delivery concentrates the medication’s effects, reducing swelling and discomfort in the bursa.
Expected Outcomes and Duration of Relief
The primary goal of a steroid injection for hip bursitis is to reduce pain and improve function. While the local anesthetic offers immediate relief, the corticosteroid generally takes two to seven days to begin working. Peak relief often occurs two to four weeks after the injection, though some individuals may experience maximum benefit closer to six weeks.
The degree and duration of pain relief vary significantly. Many patients experience substantial pain reduction in the short term. However, relief is often temporary, lasting from several weeks to several months, commonly three to six months. Symptoms may return as the medication’s effects wane. Some individuals may not experience any relief or only partial relief.
Understanding Potential Side Effects
While generally safe, steroid injections for hip bursitis can have potential side effects. Common local reactions include temporary pain or soreness at the injection site, usually subsiding within a few days. Bruising and temporary swelling around the injection area are also possible. Some individuals may experience a “steroid flare,” a temporary worsening of pain and inflammation occurring one to three days after injection, typically lasting up to five days.
Less common side effects include skin discoloration or thinning at the injection site, or fat atrophy, which may result in an indentation. More serious, though rare, risks involve infection at the injection site, manifesting as fever, redness, or discharge. Nerve damage or bleeding are extremely rare complications. Individuals with diabetes may experience a temporary rise in blood sugar levels for one to two days. Other infrequent systemic effects include facial flushing, insomnia, or mood changes.
Other Treatment Approaches for Hip Bursitis
Steroid injections are often part of a comprehensive treatment plan for hip bursitis. Conservative measures are typically the first approach. Resting the affected hip and avoiding aggravating activities are often recommended.
Applying ice to the sore area can reduce local pain and swelling, particularly after activity. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen, also help manage pain and reduce inflammation. These medications are available orally and as topical creams.
Physical therapy plays a significant role in long-term management, focusing on strengthening hip muscles and stretching tight structures like the iliotibial band. Specific exercises, such as gluteal stretches, clamshells, and leg lifts, improve hip strength and flexibility. Activity modification, weight loss, and using assistive devices like a cane can also alleviate hip stress. Surgical intervention is rarely necessary, typically reserved as a last resort when non-surgical treatments have not provided sufficient relief.