What Is a Trochanteric Injection?

A trochanteric injection is used to treat pain and inflammation around the greater
trochanter—the bony point on the outside of the hip.
This area is commonly affected in conditions such as:

  • Trochanteric bursitis (hip bursa inflammation)
  • Gluteal tendinopathy (tendon irritation or degeneration)
  • Lateral hip pain syndrome
  • Hip pain that worsens with walking, lying on the side, or climbing stairs

“Trochanteric injections provide targeted relief from persistent outer hip pain.”

How Does It Work?

The injection delivers local anaesthetic and steroid into the inflamed tissues around the hip. This:

  • Reduces inflammation
  • Settles tendon and bursa irritation
  • Alleviates pain to allow better movement and sleep

It is most effective when combined with physiotherapy or stretching exercises.

What to Expect During the Procedure

  • Carried out in a clinical procedure room
  • You’ll lie on your side or front
  • The skin is cleaned and numbed
  • A fine needle is guided to the target area using ultrasound
  • Medication is slowly injected

The procedure takes around 10–15 minutes, followed by a brief recovery period.

Benefits of Trochanteric Injections

  • Targets the cause of lateral hip pain
  • Reduces pain with walking, standing, or lying on the hip
  • Helps you participate in physiotherapy
  • Minimally invasive, with quick recovery
  • Can delay or avoid surgery in some cases

⏳ Relief may begin within days and often lasts several months.

Is It Safe?

Yes. This is a safe and commonly performed treatment when done by trained clinicians. You should inform us if you:

  • Are you allergic to steroids or anaesthetics
  • Are you pregnant or breastfeeding
  • Are you diabetic or take blood thinners
  • Have any recent infection or fever

Side Effects

Common side effects

(may affect more than 1 in 10 patients):
  • Mild soreness or bruising at the injection site
  • Temporary flare-up of pain for 24–48 hours
  • Facial flushing

Uncommon side effects

(may affect up to 1in 100 patients):
  • Infection at the injection site
  • Bleeding or local skin thinning

⚠️ Avoid strenuous activity and driving for 24 hours post-injection.

After the Injection

  • You’ll be monitored for a short time before discharge
  • A companion should drive you home
  • Rest the hip for the first day, then gradually increase movement
  • You may start physiotherapy after a few days
  • A review appointment may be scheduled to assess your response

Our Clinical Insight

Trochanteric injections are very helpful for:

  • Persistent outer hip pain
  • Pain unresponsive to tablets, ice, or exercises
  • Improving mobility and sleep in daily life

“For many patients, this simple injection provides long-awaited relief from nagging hip pain.”