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Intra-Articular Hip Injection

A minimally invasive procedure for hip pain relief and improved mobility

  • Treatment guide
  • 2 min read
On this page
  1. What is an Intra-Articular Hip Injection?
  2. Why is an Intra-Articular Hip Injection Recommended?
  3. How is the Procedure Performed?
  4. What Should I Expect After the Injection?
  5. Are There Risks or Side Effects?
  6. Why Choose Horizon Spine & Pain of Utah?

What is an Intra-Articular Hip Injection?

An intra-articular hip injection is a minimally invasive procedure where medication is injected directly into the hip joint space to relieve pain and inflammation. The injection typically contains a combination of a local anesthetic for immediate relief and a corticosteroid to reduce longer-term inflammation.

Hip injections are often part of a comprehensive care plan that may also include physical therapy, activity modifications, and other treatments.

Why is an Intra-Articular Hip Injection Recommended?

Your provider may recommend this injection if you suffer from:

  • Hip osteoarthritis
  • Hip labral tears
  • Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI)
  • Inflammatory arthritis (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis)
  • Persistent hip pain not responding to conservative treatments

The goal of the injection is to decrease pain and inflammation, improve joint mobility, and help confirm the source of your hip pain.

  1. How is the Procedure Performed?

    • The procedure is done in an outpatient setting.
    • You will lie comfortably on an X-ray table or treatment bed.
    • The skin over your hip is cleaned, sterilized, and numbed with a local anesthetic.
    • Using fluoroscopy (live X-ray) or ultrasound guidance, your provider carefully inserts a thin needle into the hip joint.
    • A combination of local anesthetic and steroid medication is injected into the joint space.
    • The procedure usually takes about 15–30 minutes, and you can typically return home the same day.

  2. What Should I Expect After the Injection?

    • Immediate pain relief may occur due to the local anesthetic but might wear off after a few hours.
    • Steroid effects usually begin within 2–5 days, providing longer-term pain reduction.
    • Some soreness or fullness in the hip is normal and should resolve within 24–48 hours.
    • Use ice packs as needed and limit vigorous activity for 1–2 days after the procedure.
    • Most patients experience improved mobility and decreased hip pain for weeks to months following the injection.

Are There Risks or Side Effects?

Intra-articular hip injections are generally safe. Rare but potential risks include:

  • Temporary increased hip pain immediately after the procedure
  • Bruising or swelling at the injection site
  • Infection (very rare)
  • Allergic reaction to medication (extremely rare)
  • Tendon weakening if multiple steroid injections are performed over time

At Horizon Spine & Pain of Utah, we take every precaution to ensure accurate, safe, and effective treatment.

Why Choose Horizon Spine & Pain of Utah?

Patients trust Horizon Spine & Pain of Utah because we offer:

  • Board-certified pain and musculoskeletal specialists
  • Precision-guided fluoroscopy or ultrasound injections
  • Personalized, comprehensive hip pain management
  • Minimally invasive procedures to restore mobility and improve quality of life

We are committed to helping you move better, feel better, and live pain-free.

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Ready to Find Relief?

If you have any questions or would like to schedule your intra-articular hip injection, please contact Horizon Spine & Pain of Utah below. Let's work together to get you back to doing what you love — without hip pain!