What to expect from a cortisone injection for trochanteric bursitis

Trochanteric bursitis, also called greater trochanteric pain syndrome, causes pain over the outside of the hip. A clinician cleans the skin and places medicine around the painful bursa, sometimes using imaging to guide the needle. The local anaesthetic may numb the area for a short time; the steroid component works more gradually. The injection reduces local inflammation but does not correct every possible cause of outer-hip pain, such as tendon irritation or altered movement.

Keep the area relatively quiet for the rest of the day and follow the specific activity advice you receive. A cold pack wrapped in cloth can ease soreness. Avoid pressing directly on the injection site while it is tender. As pain settles, physiotherapy may address hip strength, walking mechanics and positions that compress the outer hip. Record whether sleep, stairs and side-lying become easier, because this helps guide follow-up care.

Contact your treating clinician promptly if redness, warmth, swelling or pain at the injection site is increasing rather than settling, or if you develop fever or feel unwell. Seek urgent help for severe weakness, spreading swelling, trouble breathing or a serious allergic reaction. New inability to bear weight after the injection also deserves prompt assessment.

Ask which structure is being targeted, what activity limits apply, how long to monitor the response, and what plan will protect the hip if the injection gives only partial relief.