There is a post about a lady having/ had steroid injections into her hip.
People are assuming it's a tiny little injection ( in one case saying like a flu jab and takes 2 minutes).
These are NOT the same.
You have to have local anaesthetic then contrast dye then the injection.
This process takes about an hour all together . depending on the doctor.
I have both hips done 4 times a year .. sometimes it's very painful .. sometimes mild
.some doctors are more heavy handed.
It's done in a clinical operating theatre .
setting with the doctor and two nurses present.
You don't just nip in .. have an injection and out.
What does a hip injection involve?
The hip injection is performed in the operating theatre under a local anaesthetic and usually takes ten minutes.
You will be lying on your back for the procedure. The skin over the hip is cleaned with antiseptic and local anaesthetic is injected to anaesthetise the area. A needle is then passed into your hip joint under the guidance of an X-ray machine. A small amount of dye is injected to confirm the correct position of the needle. The hip is then injected with anaesthetic and anti-inflammatory steroid. A small dressing will be applied to the injection site.
What happens after the injection?
You need to remain in the hospital for at least thirty minutes after the procedure. Provided there is no evidence of any allergies, leg problems or weakness you will be allowed home. You must not drive yourself home or go home alone on public transport. Ideally you should arrange for someone to collect you following the procedure
You should avoid excessive exercise or heavy work for the first few days. The dressing can be removed the next day. You should continue to take any pain killers if your symptoms have not improved. Diabetic patients should closely monitor their blood sugar measurements over the first few days.
Your surgeon usually will review you approximately six weeks after your injection. You should monitor any improvement in your symptoms and it is worthwhile keeping a diary noting down any changes in your symptoms. This can be discussed with your surgeon at the follow up appointment.
Risks of a hip injection and side effects
These are all very rare but include the following:
Infection
Thigh Numbness and/or weakness to the leg. This is usually temporary and due to the local anaesthetic injection affecting the nerves supplying the skin and muscles of your thigh.
Bruising at the injection site
Allergy to the injected medication
Skin discolouration at the injection site.