Hip Frequently Asked Questions
Does groin pain always mean arthritis?
No. Several conditions can cause it.
Do I need a scan?
Not always: imaging is guided by the assessment.
Will an injection cure my hip pain?
No injection guarantees lasting relief; the likely benefit depends on the diagnosis.
What can help?
Treatment depends on the cause. Education, an appropriate strengthening and activity programme, weight management where relevant, and pain relief may all be useful. Some people benefit from physiotherapy or further medical assessment.
Which hip injection is right for me?
There are several types of injection that may help manage hip pain, but the most
appropriate treatment depends on the underlying condition, your symptoms and your individual circumstances.
At Bristol Joint Injections, we assess the likely cause of your pain before discussing
whether an injection may be beneficial. We offer ultrasound-guided corticosteroid and hyaluronic acid injections for selected patients with hip osteoarthritis, as well as
corticosteroid injections for greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS).
Each treatment has different potential benefits, limitations and levels of supporting
evidence. Our aim is to help you understand your options and make an informed
decision about whether an injection is right for you.
First, identify the source of pain
The right option depends on whether pain comes from the hip joint, the gluteal tendons and surrounding tissues, or somewhere else. An injection is not necessarily required. Assessment and rehabilitation remain important.
Hip joint corticosteroid injection
Best considered for selected people with symptomatic hip osteoarthritis seeking short-term pain reduction. Usually performed under ultrasound guidance. Relief is variable and may last weeks to a few months; it does not reverse arthritis.
Hip joint hyaluronic acid injection
Can be useful for people who do not want a steroid injection, or who have tried one with limited effect. It is a good option for younger hips, or those people who are more active or who may need surgery but would like to delay that for various reasons.
Corticosteroid injection for GTPS
An injection around the painful lateral hip structures may offer short-term symptom relief. Progressive exercise and education are important for longer-term recovery. Injection is not a substitute for rebuilding tendon load tolerance.
What about PRP or other injections?
Other injections are sometimes marketed for hip pain, but availability and evidence vary. They are not part of the routine treatment options described on this page; any proposal should be discussed on its own merits.
Safety and practical considerations
Before treatment, discuss diabetes, infection or recent illness, allergies, anticoagulants, previous injections and any planned joint replacement. Serious infection is rare but requires prompt medical assessment. One of our clinicians will explain the procedure, aftercare and signs that need urgent review.