Will a cortisone shot help arthritis in the hip?
Daniel Moore
Published Jan 19, 2026
If pain caused by osteoarthritis of the hip keeps you from everyday activities even after you've tried other medical treatments, doctors may recommend an injection of medication directly into the arthritic joint. An injection of corticosteroids may reduce inflammation and ease pain.If pain caused by osteoarthritis of the hip If osteoarthritis of the hip causes aching pain and limits your ability to move without discomfort, your doctor may recommend an over-the-counter pain relief medication. Many doctors recommend acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which include aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen. › osteoarthritis-of-the-hip › treatments
How long does a cortisone shot in hip last?
The effects of the injection usually last up to 2 months, but sometimes longer. Cortisone can reduce inflammation that damages joints. Your doctor also may recommend other treatments to address joint pain resulting from another condition such as obesity, tendon or ligament damage, or an autoimmune disorder.
Are cortisone shots good for hip arthritis?
Overview. Cortisone shots are injections that can help relieve pain and inflammation in a specific area of your body. They're most commonly injected into joints — such as your ankle, elbow, hip, knee, shoulder, spine or wrist. Even the small joints in your hands or feet might benefit from cortisone shots.
How successful are cortisone injections in the hip?
Results: Of 78 patients, a total of 82 injections were analyzed. For injections, 19.5% (16/82) showed no response, 47.6% (39/82) showed immediate response, and 32.9% (27/82) showed continued response. There was no significant correlation between injection outcome with age, Tönnis grade, BMI, or duration of symptoms.
What do you do after a cortisone shot in the hip?
Pain Relief After a Hip Joint Injection
If the area is uncomfortable in the first two to three days after the injection, applying ice or a cold pack to the general area of the injection site will typically provide pain relief and appear more beneficial than applying heat.
45 related questions foundAre you put to sleep for a hip injection?
The injection is carried out in theatre under a quick general anaesthetic or sedation so that you do not feel pain while the injection is being performed. Please do not eat anything after midnight the night before. You may have sips of water for up to two hours before your admission time, if required.
Can I walk after a cortisone injection in my hip?
As a general rule, patients advised receiving a steroid injection into a joint are cautioned against any heavy lifting or exercise. But after 10 days to two weeks, they are encouraged to start gentle range-of-motion exercises and to remain active as tolerated.
What can be done for arthritis in the hip joint?
The first line of treatment of hip arthritis includes activity modification, anti-inflammatory medication, hip injections and weight loss. Weight loss helps decrease the force that goes across the hip joint. Giving up activities that make the pain worse may make this condition bearable for some people.
What if cortisone shot in hip doesn't work?
If the first injection doesn't provide pain relief, your doctor may try a second injection four to six weeks later. If there's no improvement after the second injection, a third injection is not recommended.
How can I improve arthritis in my hips?
Surgery. Exercise, treatments and keeping to a healthy weight usually improve the symptoms of hip osteoarthritis.
How often can you get a cortisone shot in your hip?
Concerns about steroid injections in the hip
You should spread out the injections at least every six weeks and have them no more than three to four times per year, according to the Mayo Clinic. In addition to relieving pain, steroid injections are sometimes used to diagnose pain.
What is the best injection for hips?
Hyaluronic Acid Injection
To address the changes in the synovial fluid of hips affected by osteoarthritis, doctors at NYU Langone inject into the joint space a hyaluronic acid product. The injection is designed to make the fluid more substantial and to improve the joint's gliding motion.
How successful are hip injections?
Is There a Longer Lasting Therapy? While not a cure, hip joint injections are very effective in reducing inflammation of the joint and providing considerable pain relief for an extended period of time.
What is the downside of cortisone shots?
The Downsides
According to the National Institutes of Health, the side effects from cortisone shots include: Dizziness or headaches. Skin issues, including dryness, thinness, acne, dry skin, and red or purple blotches. Fatigue and trouble sleeping.
What is an alternative to a cortisone shot?
Enter – PRP, or platelet-rich plasma. PRP injections offer a viable alternative to corticosteroid injections, without all of the nasty side effects.
Is there an alternative to cortisone injections?
Another alternative to cortisone injections is Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP). PRP is a regenerative medicine where we help the body jumpstart its own healing. Using a concentrated solution of blood platelets, which contain proteins and growth factors, PRP can be injected unit the damaged area to promote healing.
Why do cortisone shots hurt so much?
The corticosteroids in the injection are formulated as slow-release crystals to give you long-term pain relief. Pain relief usually lasts for several months. However, the presence of these crystals can irritate your joint, which is what creates the sensation of pain around the area of the shot.
Can cortisone injections help arthritis?
Cortisone shots can treat both inflammatory arthritis and osteoarthritis, but they may be more effective at treating inflammatory arthritis than osteoarthritis, according to the Mayo Clinic. “For osteoarthritis, sometimes people don't get relief, and it's hard to predict why,” says Dr. Sufka.
Is walking good for arthritis in hips?
Walking: Bone and joint specialists suggest that walking is one of the best forms of exercise for hip arthritis. Walking boosts blood flow to your cartilage, giving it the nutrients necessary to provide cushion to the ends of your joints.
What aggravates hip arthritis?
Hip arthritis can flare up due to overexertion or carrying out repetitive movements. The sudden or unexpected activity can also cause stress on the joints, causing pain.
How can I prevent my hip arthritis from getting worse?
Slowing Osteoarthritis Progression
- Maintain a Healthy Weight. Excess weight puts additional pressure on weight-bearing joints, such as the hips and knees. ...
- Control Blood Sugar. ...
- Get Physical. ...
- Protect Joints. ...
- Choose a Healthy Lifestyle.
How painful are hip injections?
Most people feel less pain after a hip injection. You may notice reduced pain 15 to 20 minutes after the injection. Pain may return in 4 to 6 hours as the numbing medicine wears off. As the steroid medicine begins to take affect 2 to 7 days later, your hip joint should feel less painful.
Can I drive home after a hip injection?
You may not drive for 12 hours after your injection. It is common to experience mild soreness at the injection site(s) for 24–48 hours. Ice is the best remedy. You may apply ice for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day, as needed.
Why do hip injections hurt?
Usually this pain comes from inflammation (swelling) that happens from daily “wear and tear.” In some patients, the pain is from an injury or a birth defect. Does the procedure hurt? starts During the procedure, a mixture of a local anesthetic and a steroid is injected into the hip.
Where is a cortisone injection given for hip pain?
Intra-articular Injections is an ultrasound-guided cortisone injection made directly into the hip joint that can provide relief.
