A targeted injection that relieves pain and inflammation in the hip bursa, helping you walk, sleep, and move without the nagging ache on the outside of your hip.
A Greater Trochanteric Bursa injection is a medical procedure where medication is injected directly into the bursa located near the greater trochanter of the femur (thigh bone) to relieve pain and inflammation associated with conditions like trochanteric bursitis or other hip-related issues. The injection typically contains a combination of a local anesthetic (to relieve pain) and a corticosteroid (to reduce inflammation).
The greater trochanter is the bony bump you can feel on the outside of your upper thigh, near the hip. Covering this area is a small, fluid-filled sac called a bursa. The bursa acts as a cushion between the bone and the muscles and tendons that pass over it, reducing friction and allowing smooth movement.
When the bursa becomes inflamed, a condition known as trochanteric bursitis, it swells and causes pain on the outside of the hip. This pain is often described as a deep ache that can be sharp with certain movements. It tends to be worse when lying on the affected side, walking upstairs, getting up from a seated position, or after prolonged standing or walking.
Trochanteric bursitis is one of the most common causes of hip pain, and it is frequently seen in middle-aged and older adults, runners, and people who have recently increased their activity level. It can also develop as a result of hip surgery, leg length differences, or conditions that alter your gait.
A bursa injection delivers anti-inflammatory medication directly to the inflamed area, calming the irritation and reducing the pain at its source.
A greater trochanteric bursa injection may be a good option if you are experiencing:
This injection is most commonly used for trochanteric bursitis, but it can also help with conditions like gluteal tendinopathy (irritation of the tendons near the hip) or iliotibial (IT) band friction syndrome.
The procedure is quick and is performed in the office. It usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
You will lie on your side with the affected hip facing up, or in whatever position allows your doctor the best access to the injection site. The skin over the outside of the hip is cleaned and sterilized.
Your doctor will locate the point of maximum tenderness over the greater trochanter, which is usually where the bursa is most inflamed. In many cases, the injection can be performed using anatomical landmarks alone. For added precision, your doctor may use ultrasound guidance to visualize the bursa and confirm proper needle placement.
A thin needle is inserted into the bursa, and the mixture of local anesthetic and corticosteroid is injected. You may feel a brief stinging sensation from the anesthetic, followed by a feeling of pressure as the medication enters the bursa. The injection itself takes just a few seconds.
The needle is removed and a bandage is placed over the site. You can go home shortly after.
Greater trochanteric bursa injections are an affordable and commonly covered procedure. Most insurance plans, including Medicare, provide coverage when trochanteric bursitis or a related condition is documented. The out-of-pocket cost will depend on your individual plan. Our office will verify your benefits before the appointment.
Recovery from a bursa injection is minimal. Most patients are able to go about their day normally right after the procedure.
You may notice immediate relief from the local anesthetic, which can last several hours. After it wears off, there may be a brief period of soreness at the injection site. The steroid typically begins to take effect within three to seven days.
For the first 24 to 48 hours, avoid vigorous exercise and activities that put heavy stress on the hip. Gentle walking is fine and actually encouraged. Ice the area for 15 to 20 minutes at a time if it is sore. Avoid lying directly on the injected hip for the first night or two if it is tender.
Most patients return to full activity within a few days.
Many patients experience significant and lasting relief from a greater trochanteric bursa injection. For some, a single injection is enough to resolve the issue entirely, especially when combined with a stretching and strengthening program.
The duration of relief varies. Some patients feel better for months after a single injection, while others may need a repeat injection if symptoms return. If the bursitis is related to biomechanical factors like tight IT bands, weak hip muscles, or gait abnormalities, addressing these underlying issues through physical therapy is important for preventing recurrence.
If bursitis continues to return despite injections and rehabilitation, your doctor may discuss additional options such as PRP therapy or, in rare cases, a referral to an orthopedic specialist.
Here is what to keep in mind before your bursa injection:
Medications: Let your doctor know about all medications you are taking, especially blood thinners and anti-inflammatory drugs. Most patients do not need to stop any medications for this procedure, but your doctor will advise you.
Clothing: Wear loose-fitting pants or shorts that can easily be adjusted to expose the outer hip area.
Allergies: Inform your doctor of any allergies to local anesthetics, corticosteroids, or latex.
Diabetes: As with all corticosteroid injections, there is a potential for temporary blood sugar elevation. Monitor your levels for several days if you have diabetes.
Skin conditions: If there is a rash, skin infection, or open wound over the injection site, the procedure may need to be delayed.
Expectations: The injection addresses inflammation and pain but does not fix structural issues. For the best long-term results, plan to follow through with any recommended stretching, strengthening, or physical therapy.
Conditions We Commonly Treat With Bursa Injections
Inflammation of the bursa on the outside of the hip causes a deep ache that gets worse when lying on that side, climbing stairs, or walking. A targeted injection calms the inflammation and relieves the pressure.
Irritation of the tendons near the greater trochanter often occurs alongside bursitis and contributes to outer hip pain. The injection helps reduce inflammation in the surrounding area.
One of the most common complaints with trochanteric bursitis is pain when lying on the affected side. The pressure of your body weight compresses the inflamed bursa against the bone, which is why so many patients lose sleep over this condition. A bursa injection can bring relief that makes a real difference at bedtime.
A bursa injection treats the inflammation, but addressing the underlying cause is what keeps it from coming back. Your doctor may recommend hip strengthening exercises, IT band stretches, or changes to your activity routine to reduce stress on the bursa and support a lasting recovery.
