Hip Joint Injection

What is a Hip Joint Injection?

A hip intra-articular (IA) injection is a treatment where medicine is injected directly into the hip joint space. It includes a corticosteroid (to reduce inflammation and pain) and a local anesthetic (numbing medicine). It’s most often used for hip pain caused by conditions such as arthritis, labral tears, bursitis, or injury.

How do you prepare for a Hip Joint Injection?

• Tell your doctor about all medicines you take, especially blood thinners — you may need to stop them briefly.
• Discuss allergies to anesthetics, steroids, or contrast dye.
• You can usually eat and drink normally before the procedure but check with your doctor.
• Wear loose clothing so the hip area is easy to access.
• Arrange for a ride home, especially if you may feel sore or weak afterward.

Why is a Hip Joint Injection performed?

• To relieve hip pain and inflammation caused by arthritis, labral tears, bursitis, or injury.
• To confirm the source of hip pain — if pain improves after the injection, the hip joint is likely the problem.
• To provide relief while other treatments, like physical therapy, are started.

What can you expect during a Hip Joint Injection?

• The procedure is usually done in a clinic or outpatient center and takes about 15–30 minutes.
• You’ll lie on your back or side so the hip can be accessed.
• The skin is cleaned and numbed.
• The doctor uses X-ray (fluoroscopy) or ultrasound guidance to place the needle accurately into the hip joint.
• A small amount of contrast dye may be used to confirm the right placement.
• The steroid and anesthetic are then injected.
• You may feel pressure or mild discomfort during the injection, but it’s usually well tolerated.
• You can go home the same day.

What is the follow-up like for a Hip Joint Injection?

• You might feel immediate relief from the numbing medicine, but it may wear off after a few hours.
• The steroid usually begins to work in 2–5 days.
• Pain relief can last from weeks to several months.
• Mild soreness or bruising at the injection site is common for 1–2 days; icing can help.
• Your doctor may recommend gentle exercise or physical therapy to strengthen and protect the hip joint.
• Steroid injections are usually limited to 3–4 per year to avoid joint damage.

What are the potential risks for a Hip Joint Injection?

Most side effects are mild and short-term, such as:

• Soreness, swelling, or bruising at the injection site.
• Temporary increase in pain before improvement begins.
• Lightheadedness for a few minutes after the shot.

Less common but more serious risks include:

• Infection in the joint.
• Damage to cartilage with repeated injections.
• Allergic reaction to the medicine or dye.
• Temporary rise in blood sugar (especially in people with diabetes).
• Osteonecrosis of the hip joint.
• Hematoma formation.
• Nerve damage.

Are there tests related to a Hip Joint Injection?

• X-rays or MRI scans are often done before checking the hip joint and rule out other causes of pain.
• Ultrasound may be used during the injection to guide the needle.
• A physical exam helps decide if the hip joint is the likely pain source.