A cortisone injection in the hip delivers a corticosteroid and usually a local anesthetic directly into the joint space or surrounding soft tissues to address inflammation. This treatment aims to reduce pain and swelling often associated with conditions like osteoarthritis or bursitis. The anesthetic provides immediate, temporary relief, while the corticosteroid begins its anti-inflammatory action, which typically takes several days to become fully noticeable. Understanding post-injection care is necessary to maximize the therapeutic benefit and prevent complications.
Immediate Restrictions (The First 48 Hours)
The first 24 to 48 hours following a hip injection are crucial for initial recovery. Patients should avoid strenuous activity and heavy exercise to allow the injected medication to settle and begin its work without being dispersed by excessive movement. This includes refraining from running, jogging, high-impact workouts, and significant weight training.
Since the injection includes a local anesthetic, which can mask pain, driving immediately after the procedure is not recommended. Limit walking to short, comfortable distances on flat surfaces, using supportive footwear to minimize joint stress. Keep the injection site clean and dry, avoiding soaking the hip in baths, hot tubs, or swimming pools for at least 24 hours to reduce infection risk.
Some individuals may experience a cortisone flare, which affects about 20% of patients within the first 48 hours. This common reaction occurs as the body responds to the corticosteroid crystals. It is usually short-lived and manageable with ice and over-the-counter pain relievers as advised by a physician. Resting the hip during this initial phase helps ensure the best environment for the medication to start reducing inflammation.
Phased Timelines for Resuming Exercise
The return to an exercise routine should be guided by the patient’s underlying condition and their physician’s specific instructions. The timeline for reintroducing activity is designed to allow the corticosteroid to achieve its full anti-inflammatory effect, which often starts between three and seven days post-injection. Pushing the hip too soon can aggravate the joint and interfere with the medication’s ability to provide lasting relief.
Phase 1: Light Activity
Normal daily walking can resume around two to three days after the injection, assuming initial post-procedure soreness has subsided. This light activity should be pain-free, focusing on maintaining mobility without placing excessive strain on the hip joint. Gentle, pain-free range-of-motion exercises may also be introduced during this period to prevent stiffness. Immediately stop any movement that causes increased discomfort.
Phase 2: Moderate Activity
Low-impact exercises can be introduced between three and seven days after the injection. This includes activities that allow cardiovascular training without the jarring impact of running or jumping. Examples of moderate activity include swimming, cycling on a stationary bike, and using an elliptical machine. The goal is to gradually increase the duration and intensity of exercise while ensuring the hip joint remains comfortable and stable.
Phase 3: Strenuous Activity
A return to high-impact activities, such as running, jumping, contact sports, or heavy weight training, requires a wait of at least one to two weeks. This window is necessary because the inflammatory process needs time to fully stabilize before the joint is subjected to high mechanical loads. For athletes or those involved in intense exercise, a physical therapist can help develop a progressive loading plan to safely build back strength and endurance. The treating physician must provide the final release for high-impact exercise, considering the reason for the injection and the patient’s individual response.
Identifying Symptoms Requiring Medical Consultation
While most post-injection discomfort is mild, recognizing signs of potential complications is necessary. An infection, though rare, is a serious risk requiring immediate medical attention to prevent joint damage. Symptoms of a joint infection may include fever, chills, and severe, worsening pain that does not improve after the first 48 hours.
Local signs of infection at the hip injection site include significant swelling, warmth, or redness that spreads beyond the immediate area, or the presence of pus. Other symptoms warranting contact with a healthcare provider include:
- An inability to bear weight on the leg.
- A significant worsening of the original pain after an initial period of improvement.
Patients with diabetes must also monitor their blood sugar closely, as corticosteroids can temporarily raise glucose levels. Any concerning or persistent symptoms should be reported to the treating physician immediately.