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Steroid Hip Injections for Arthritis and Hip Pain 

At The West London Knee & Hip Clinic, we offer steroid hip injections to help manage hip pain, inflammation and stiffness caused by conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and bursitis. 
 
A cortisone hip injection is a well-established treatment option for patients looking to relieve hip pain quickly and delay or avoid surgery. 
 
Struggling with hip pain? 
Book a consultation at our Mayfair, Chiswick, Earl’s Court or Brentford clinic to find out if a steroid injection could help you move more comfortably. You can also learn more about our full range of hip treatments here. 

How Cortisone Hip Injections Work 

Steroid (cortisone) injections work by delivering a powerful anti-inflammatory medication directly into the hip joint or surrounding bursa. This reduces inflammation, eases pain and can improve your range of motion. 
 
At our clinic, hip joint injections are performed under ultrasound guidance and with local anaesthetic to ensure accurate placement and minimise discomfort. 

Benefits of Steroid Hip Injections 

Rapid pain relief for hip arthritis and bursitis 
Reduced inflammation and swelling in the hip area 
Improved mobility and function 
May reduce reliance on other medicines or stronger painkillers 
 
For many patients, steroid hip injections are part of a wider treatment plan that includes physiotherapy and other supportive care. 

Who Might Benefit from This Procedure 

Steroid hip injections are a common treatment for: 
 
Osteoarthritis of the hip 
Rheumatoid arthritis causing hip joint pain 
Bursitis around the hip area 
Persistent hip pain and stiffness that has not improved with other treatments 
 
Your consultant will advise whether an articular injection is suitable for your symptoms or if another option might be more effective. 

The Procedure: What to Expect 

Your cortisone hip injection will be carried out in our clinic as a quick outpatient procedure: 
 
Your specialist will clean the hip area and use local anaesthetic to numb the injection site. 
Using ultrasound, a fine needle is guided into the hip joint or bursa. 
The steroid medication is injected to target inflammation directly. 
 
The procedure usually takes under 20 minutes. You can usually go home shortly afterwards. 

Pain Relief and Recovery 

Most patients feel relief from hip pain and swelling within a few days, with full benefits appearing within one to two weeks. Pain relief can last from a few weeks to several months. 
 
Steroid hip injections can be repeated if needed, but your doctor will limit the number each year to reduce possible side effects and complications. 

Possible Side Effects and Risks 

Steroid hip injections are generally safe when performed by an experienced specialist. However, as with any joint injection, there are some risks and side effects: 
 
Mild discomfort or bruising at the injection site 
Temporary increase in pain for 24–48 hours 
Rare risk of infection 
Rare allergic reaction to the medication or local anaesthetic 
Repeated injections may weaken cartilage over time, which is why careful medical advice is important 
 
Steroid injections used in the hip are different from anabolic steroids used for bodybuilding — they are anti-inflammatory medicines for targeted pain relief. 

How Steroid Injections Compare to Other Treatments 

Steroid hip injections provide fast pain relief by reducing inflammation. Other options such as physiotherapy, oral medication, or surgical treatment may also be recommended depending on the severity of your hip pain. 
 
Your consultant will discuss whether a single injection or a combination of treatments is best for your hip joint condition. 

Booking Your Injection 

All hip joint injections at The West London Knee & Hip Clinic are carried out by expert consultants, using ultrasound for precision and local anaesthetic for comfort. We offer appointments at our Mayfair, Chiswick, Earl’s Court and Brentford clinics. 
 
If you are dealing with persistent hip pain and want to find out if a steroid injection could help, book your consultation today. 

Related Treatments 

Steroid injections are one of several proven options we offer to help you manage hip pain and arthritis. You may also be interested in: 
 
Minimally Invasive Total Hip Replacement — A durable solution for advanced hip arthritis. This cutting-edge procedure minimises tissue damage and scarring while preserving muscle function for faster recovery and optimal implant positioning. 
 
Rottinger Approach Hip Replacement 
A muscle-sparing technique working between natural muscle planes, helping to reduce post-operative pain, blood loss and speed up rehabilitation. 
 
Revision Hip Replacement Surgery 
For patients with complications or failures from previous hip replacements. Dr Imbuldeniya provides tailored revision surgery plans, supported by regional multi-disciplinary expertise to manage complex cases safely. 
 
PRP Ultrasound-Guided Hip Injections 
Platelet-Rich Plasma therapy uses your body’s natural healing abilities to repair damaged cartilage, tendons and ligaments. A non-surgical outpatient treatment for early arthritis and soft tissue injuries. 
 
Hyaluronic Acid Ultrasound-Guided Hip Injections 
Injections like OSTENIL® PLUS act as a lubricant and shock absorber in the hip joint, improving mobility and reducing stiffness and pain for several months. 
 
Your consultant will explain which combination of treatments best suits your hip pain, arthritis stage and lifestyle. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Most patients feel improvement within a few days, with full benefit usually after one to two weeks. 
Relief can last from several weeks to a few months. This varies depending on the underlying cause and your overall health. 
To minimise risks, we usually limit steroid injections to 3–4 per joint each year. 
Possible side effects include mild pain at the injection site, temporary flare-ups, infection (rare) or allergic reaction. Your doctor will discuss these before treatment. 
Rest the hip for 24–48 hours. Avoid strenuous activities and follow your doctor’s physiotherapy advice for the best results. 
Yes, many patients combine injections with physiotherapy or other treatments to maintain hip strength and mobility. 
You can, but if local anaesthetic was used, your hip may feel numb temporarily. If in doubt, arrange a lift home.