What Is the Best Injection for Hip Pain Treatment

Hip pain is a common issue affecting millions of adults, especially those over 50 or athletes who stress the joint regularly. From arthritis and bursitis to labral tears, hip pain can significantly limit mobility and daily activities. While surgery is an option, many people seek non-surgical solutions that relieve discomfort and improve function. Understanding what the best injection is for hip pain can help guide your treatment decisions.

Hip injections for pain offer targeted relief directly into the joint or surrounding tissues, helping reduce inflammation, improve mobility, and promote healing. Common joint injections such as corticosteroid injections, hyaluronic acid (gel) injections, and PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) injections are often used to treat hip pain effectively. These injections work by addressing the underlying inflammation, providing lubrication, or stimulating the body’s natural healing processes, making them a valuable option for those seeking relief without surgery.

What Are Hip Injections?

Hip injections are minimally invasive procedures that deliver medication or biologic therapies directly into the hip joint or surrounding tissues. They are designed to reduce pain, improve mobility, and target the specific area causing discomfort. These injections are often guided by imaging to ensure precise delivery and maximum effectiveness.

Performed by trained specialists, hip injections are a safe and effective alternative to surgery for managing chronic hip pain. They can help patients maintain an active lifestyle, relieve inflammation, and promote joint function, making them a popular option for those seeking non-surgical treatment.

Types of Hip Injections

Hip injections come in several forms, each suited for different conditions. Understanding the different types of injections helps determine the most effective treatment plan:

Diagnostic Hip Injections

Diagnostic hip injections are primarily used to identify the exact source of hip pain. By injecting a local anesthetic directly into the hip joint or surrounding tissues, doctors can determine whether the pain originates from the joint itself, the bursa, or nearby tendons. These injections are often performed as an intra-articular hip injection or hip joint injection, providing valuable insights for accurate diagnosis. The results help guide further treatment plans, including whether more invasive procedures or surgery might be necessary.

Therapeutic Hip Injections

Therapeutic hip injections focus on providing relief from pain and inflammation, helping patients regain mobility and improve quality of life. Common options include corticosteroid injections, hyaluronic acid injections, or other biological treatments, depending on the condition. The frequency and type of injection are tailored to the patient’s response, severity of symptoms, and overall health. These injections are an effective non-surgical option for managing chronic hip pain and improving day-to-day comfort.

Now that you understand the difference between diagnostic and therapeutic injections, let’s explore the best injections for hip pain that can provide targeted relief and long-term benefits.

Corticosteroid Injection

Corticosteroid injections, also called steroid injections for the hip, are designed to reduce inflammation in the hip joint or bursa, offering rapid pain relief. They are commonly used for conditions like osteoarthritis, bursitis, and labral inflammation. A review found that intra‑articular corticosteroid injections (IA CS) for hip OA provided meaningful pain relief and functional improvement. These injections can be performed as a hip cortisone injection, hip bursa injection, or hip bursitis injection, usually under imaging guidance to ensure accuracy.

Another review of randomized controlled trials found that intra-articular corticosteroid injections can offer meaningful pain relief and better function in people with hip osteoarthritis, with benefits lasting up to about 12 weeks.

Mechanism: Targets inflammatory cells to reduce swelling and pain.
Ideal candidates: Patients with osteoarthritis, bursitis, or labral inflammation.
Benefits: Rapid pain relief, often within a few days.
Limitations: Relief may be temporary; repeated injections carry risks.
Tips: Mild discomfort is common, and some may notice hip pain worse after a cortisone injection for 24–48 hours. Gradual walking post-injection is usually safe.

Hyaluronic Acid (Gel) Injections

Hyaluronic acid injections help lubricate the hip joint, reducing friction and improving mobility for people with osteoarthritis. They are particularly helpful for patients with moderate joint degeneration and may delay the need for surgery. In fact, a 2024 study titled “Efficacy and Safety of One Shot of Hyaluronic Acid in Hip OA” found that a single injection provided significant pain relief and improved function in hip osteoarthritis patients.

These injections are usually administered directly into the hip joint under imaging guidance to ensure precise placement. They are minimally invasive, generally well tolerated, and can provide relief for several months. While they are not a permanent solution, hyaluronic acid injections can be an effective part of a non-surgical management plan for hip osteoarthritis.

Purpose: Reduce joint friction and improve mobility.
Effectiveness: Best for moderate osteoarthritis.
Duration of relief: Typically 3–6 months.
Procedure: Administered under imaging for accuracy.
Considerations: Safe, minimally invasive, and generally well tolerated.

PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) Injections

PRP injections utilize your body’s own platelets to stimulate healing and tissue repair in the hip joint. This regenerative therapy is ideal for labral tears, tendon injuries, or mild osteoarthritis. PRP therapy is delivered directly to the affected area, promoting long-term recovery and reducing inflammation over time.

Mechanism: Concentrated growth factors help repair damaged cartilage or tendons.
Indications: Labral tears, mild arthritis, tendon injuries.
Procedure: PRP hip injection or platelet-rich plasma injection administered at the site of pain.
Effectiveness: Varies; some patients experience prolonged relief.
Considerations: PRP therapy cost can be higher, and multiple sessions may be required.

Stem Cell Therapy for Hip Pain

Stem cell therapy is a regenerative treatment that aims to repair damaged tissues in the hip joint, including cartilage and tendons. It is typically recommended for patients who do not respond to conventional injections or conservative treatments. The therapy is still under research, but it shows promise for long-term healing and reduced inflammation.

Mechanism: Uses mesenchymal stem cells to regenerate cartilage or tendon tissue.
Benefits: Potential for lasting repair and reduced inflammation.
Risks: Limited long-term data, variable outcomes, and higher cost.
Current research: Emerging evidence supports use in select patients with chronic hip pain.

How Long Do Hip Injections Last?

The duration of relief from hip injections can vary depending on several factors. The type of injection plays a major role, with corticosteroids often providing shorter-term relief, while hyaluronic acid and PRP may last longer. The severity of the hip condition and the overall health of the patient, including weight and activity level, also affect how long the benefits are felt.

Recovery and response can differ from person to person, and in some cases, repeated injections may be needed to maintain pain relief. Choosing the right injection type for your specific condition helps maximize effectiveness and reduce the need for frequent treatments.

Typical timelines:

Hip cortisone injection: 4–12 weeks of relief.
Hyaluronic acid injection: 3–6 months.
PRP injection hip: Variable, often 6–12 months.

What to Expect After a Hip Injection

Recovery after a hip injection is generally quick, and most patients can resume light activities within a day or two. Some temporary discomfort, bruising, mild fever, or painful injection on the hip is normal. Rarely, infections or allergic reactions may occur, so it’s important to monitor your symptoms closely. To improve outcomes and ensure a smooth recovery, follow these guidelines:

Rest the hip for 24–48 hours.
Apply ice to reduce swelling or soreness.
Avoid strenuous activities for a few days.
Report severe pain or swelling to your doctor.

Take the Next Step toward Pain-Free Hips

If you’re considering an injection for hip pain relief, it’s important to consult a specialist to determine the most suitable therapeutic injection. Whether it’s a hip steroid injection, PRP injection, or hyaluronic acid hip injection, these non-surgical options can significantly improve your mobility and overall quality of life.

Many patients turn to Aesthetics & Pain for effective treatment of hip pain. Chronic discomfort can limit movement, affect posture, and impact daily activities, making professional care essential. Our targeted hip injections for pain help reduce discomfort, restore mobility, and support long-term joint health. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward pain-free hips.

What Is the Best Injection for Hip Pain?