Post-Hip Bursitis Steroid Injection Patient Instructions
Rest the injected hip for 24-48 hours after your injection, avoiding strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and high-impact exercises to allow the medication to work effectively and minimize complications.
Immediate Post-Injection Care (First 24-48 Hours)
Activity Restrictions
- Avoid strenuous physical activities including running, aerobics, swimming, or heavy lifting for 7-10 days 1
- Rest the hip but maintain gentle range of motion
- You may experience temporary increased pain or soreness at the injection site for 1-2 days—this is normal
- Use ice packs (20 minutes on, 20 minutes off) for the first 24-48 hours if you experience swelling or discomfort
Pain Management
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers as directed:
- Ibuprofen 600 mg three times daily, OR
- Acetaminophen 500-650 mg every 4-6 hours (maximum 3,000-4,000 mg daily) 2
- These medications help control post-injection inflammation and discomfort
- Do not exceed recommended doses of acetaminophen due to liver toxicity risk 2
Monitoring and Warning Signs
Watch for These Complications
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Fever above 100.4°F (38°C)
- Increasing redness, warmth, or swelling at the injection site
- Severe or worsening pain that doesn't improve with medication
- Drainage or pus from the injection site
- Inability to bear weight on the leg
These could indicate infection, which is rare but requires prompt treatment 1.
Blood Sugar Monitoring (For Diabetic Patients)
If you have diabetes, monitor your blood glucose closely for 2 weeks following injection 3. Corticosteroids can cause temporary elevation in blood sugar levels. Contact your primary care provider if your glucose levels remain persistently elevated.
Activity Progression
Days 3-7
- Gradually resume light daily activities as tolerated
- Begin gentle stretching and range-of-motion exercises
- Avoid sudden movements or positions that caused your original pain
Week 2 and Beyond
- Progressively increase activity levels based on pain response
- Consider physical therapy if recommended by your provider to address underlying biomechanical issues
- The steroid injection provides short-term pain relief (typically 4-24 weeks) and works best when combined with physical therapy and activity modification 1
Important Timing Considerations
If you are scheduled for hip replacement surgery:
- Inform your surgeon about this injection
- Steroid injections should be avoided within 3 months before joint replacement surgery due to potential increased infection risk 1, 4, 1
Expected Outcomes
- Pain relief typically begins within 2-7 days as inflammation decreases
- Maximum benefit usually occurs at 1-2 weeks post-injection
- Effects are time-limited without long-term structural improvement 1
- Some patients may require repeat injections, though frequent repeated injections may have negative effects on bone and joint structure 2, 1
Follow-Up Care
- Schedule a follow-up appointment in 2-4 weeks to assess response to injection
- Discuss long-term management strategies including weight management, exercise programs, and other treatments if pain persists
- Do not rely solely on injections—they work best as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes physical therapy and lifestyle modifications 1
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Do not resume high-impact activities too quickly, as this can worsen inflammation despite temporary pain relief
- Do not ignore persistent symptoms—if pain returns or never improves, additional evaluation may be needed
- Do not request frequent repeat injections without addressing underlying causes through physical therapy and activity modification 2, 1