How effective is cortisone injection for trochanteric bursitis?

Trochanteric bursitis, also called greater trochanteric pain syndrome, causes pain over the outside of the hip. Irritation may involve a bursa, nearby tendons or both. Cortisone is placed near the painful region to reduce local inflammation. This can make lying on that side, walking or climbing stairs more comfortable, allowing a gradual return to strengthening. It does not rebuild an irritated tendon or correct walking mechanics, so improvement may depend on treating the wider pattern of hip loading.

Tell the clinician where the pain travels, what positions trigger it, and whether you have had hip injury or prior treatment. Follow advice about activity immediately afterward and avoid testing the hip with demanding exercise while it is sore. A physiotherapy plan may address hip strength, pelvic control, sleep position and gradual loading. If the response is limited, reassessment can distinguish hip pain from a back, joint or tendon problem.

Learn about [Cortisone Injection](/treatments/non-surgical-orthopedics/cortisone-injection/).

Arrange prompt medical review for fever, spreading redness, unusual warmth, drainage or rapidly increasing pain after injection. Seek assessment for inability to bear weight, a new fall, sudden marked weakness, or pain accompanied by new numbness. Ongoing night pain or worsening function also deserves a fresh examination.

Is the bursa, a tendon or another structure the main pain source? What activity should I pause, and when can strengthening restart? How will we judge whether the injection helped? Which exercises or sleep-position changes could reduce pressure on the outer hip?