How long does a cortisone injection take to work for trochanteric bursitis?

The medicine is intended to reduce inflammation near the greater trochanter. A local anaesthetic can numb the area briefly, while injection soreness may appear as that effect fades. Pain from nearby gluteal tendons, the lower back, or the hip joint may not respond in the same way.

Less pain can make walking and sleeping easier, but it does not by itself restore hip strength or remove the movement pattern that caused irritation. Side-lying pressure, stairs, and sudden increases in walking may still provoke symptoms.

Follow advice about activity, and avoid lying on the painful side or repeatedly provoking the hip while waiting for relief. Gradual strengthening of the hip and trunk, often with physiotherapy guidance, can address load tolerance once acute soreness settles.

Track sleep, walking, stairs, and side-lying comfort rather than judging the injection by one good or bad day. Arrange review if pain remains limiting or returns quickly, so the diagnosis and rehabilitation plan can be reconsidered.

Seek prompt care for fever, spreading redness, drainage, rapidly increasing swelling, severe escalating pain, or feeling unwell after the injection. Report new leg weakness, loss of sensation, inability to bear weight, or a sudden painful change in the hip.

Ask which structure was targeted, when to restart walking or strengthening, how to reduce pressure during sleep, and what assessment is needed if outer-hip pain does not improve.