A hip joint injection is a treatment for pain that is suspected to be coming from the large joint where the leg joins together with the pelvis. X-ray dye is injected to be sure the needle is positioned correctly for the area to be treated. Medications injected include a steroid (long-acting cortisone type medication) and a local anesthetic. The actions of these medications are to reduce pain, inflammation and swelling. The local anesthetic may provide immediate but brief relief. The presence or absence of immediate pain relief from the local anesthetic is helpful for the doctor to confirm whether or not the pain is coming from the hip joint. The steroid can take anywhere from a few days to a week to start working, and is intended to provide extended relief. Physical therapy and/or other conservative treatments may also be recommended.
