Does cortisone injection treat trochanteric bursitis?

Trochanteric bursitis, also called greater trochanteric pain syndrome, affects tissues near the bony point on the outside of the hip. Cortisone is a steroid medicine placed near the irritated bursa or surrounding tissues. Relief can make walking, sleeping on the affected side, and physiotherapy more manageable. The benefit varies, and pain can return if pressure, tendon overload, weakness, or movement habits remain unaddressed.

A clinician should first check that the pain is coming from the outer hip and not the lower back, hip joint, or another structure. Treatment may include temporarily reducing activities that provoke side-lying pain, using a comfortable sleeping position, and following a gradual strengthening plan for the hip and pelvis. Tell the clinician about diabetes, infection, blood-thinning medicine, or a previous reaction to injections before treatment.

Arrange prompt assessment if hip pain follows a significant injury, you cannot bear weight, the area is hot or markedly swollen, or you have fever or feel acutely unwell. Seek review if new weakness, spreading numbness, or worsening pain develops after an injection.

Ask what structure is causing the pain, whether an injection is appropriate, what improvement to expect, and which exercises or activity changes should follow it. Also ask how long to monitor symptoms and what warning signs should prompt contact.