When is cortisone injection recommended for trochanteric bursitis?

Trochanteric bursitis, also called greater trochanteric pain syndrome, affects tissues around the bony outside of the hip. A clinician first checks that the pain is coming from this area rather than the hip joint, lower back, or another tendon problem. Cortisone is a steroid medicine used to calm local inflammation. The injection is placed near the painful bursa or surrounding tissues, sometimes with imaging guidance.

It may offer a period of relief that makes walking, sleeping on the affected side, or rehabilitation easier. It does not correct every cause of lateral hip pain, and repeated injections may not be appropriate. Learn more about [Cortisone Injection](/treatments/non-surgical-orthopedics/cortisone-injection/).

Discuss your symptoms, medicines, diabetes, allergies, infection history, and previous injections with the treating clinician. Conservative care may include reducing painful side-lying or repeated stair climbing, using a pillow between the knees, and following a graded hip-strengthening plan.

After an injection, follow the advised activity limits and watch how the hip responds. A short-lived increase in soreness can occur. Improvement should be assessed alongside function, not only at rest; the clinician can adjust rehabilitation if relief allows more comfortable movement.

Arrange prompt medical assessment for a hot, red, rapidly swollen area, fever, feeling acutely unwell, or pain after an injury that prevents normal weight-bearing. Seek urgent help for severe sudden weakness, new numbness, or inability to walk. If pain continues, returns quickly, or sleep and daily movement remain limited, book a review to reassess the diagnosis and treatment plan.

Could another hip, back, or tendon problem explain my symptoms? What benefit is the injection intended to provide, and how will we judge it? What rehabilitation and activity changes should follow it? Are there reasons the injection may be unsuitable for me?