Bursa Injections for Hip and Shoulder Pain: When Are They Recommended?

Chronic joint pain can limit your mobility and impact your daily life. If you’ve been dealing with persistent hip or shoulder pain that hasn’t responded to rest or over-the-counter medication, bursa injections may be the next step in your treatment plan. These injections target inflammation directly at the source, providing fast and lasting relief for many patients.

What Are Bursa Injections?

Bursa injections are designed to treat inflammation in the bursae, which are small, fluid-filled sacs that cushion the joints and reduce friction between bones and soft tissues. When these sacs become irritated or inflamed, they can cause intense pain and restricted movement.

A bursa injection typically includes a corticosteroid to reduce inflammation and a local anesthetic to relieve pain. This combination helps calm the irritated bursa and provides relief in the affected joint. The procedure is minimally invasive and usually performed in a clinic setting.

Common Conditions Treated With Bursa Injections

Hip Conditions

One of the most common hip issues treated with bursa injections is trochanteric bursitis. This condition involves inflammation of the bursa located at the outer point of the hip. It often develops from repetitive movements, prolonged standing, or a direct injury to the area. Bursa injections can reduce swelling and improve mobility, especially when other treatments have failed.

Shoulder Conditions

In the shoulder, bursa injections are often used to treat subacromial bursitis. This condition occurs when the bursa above the rotator cuff becomes inflamed, often due to overuse or repetitive overhead activity. Patients may also experience relief from rotator cuff-related pain or impingement syndromes through targeted bursa injections.

Signs You Might Need a Bursa Injection

Not every joint pain requires an injection, but certain signs may suggest that it is time to consider one. If you are experiencing localized pain that persists after trying rest, ice, and oral medications, an injection could help.

Other indications include swelling over the joint, pain that worsens with movement, or disrupted sleep due to discomfort. If physical therapy and other conservative treatments have not improved your condition, it may be time to talk to a specialist about injections.

What to Expect During a Bursa Injection

Bursa injections are performed in an outpatient setting, often under ultrasound guidance to ensure precise placement. After cleaning the injection site, your provider will deliver the medication directly into the bursa.

The procedure typically takes less than 30 minutes, and most patients can resume light activity the same day. Some may experience temporary soreness at the injection site.

How Long Do Bursa Injections Last?

Pain relief may begin within a few hours, though full results are usually felt within a few days. In many cases, the benefits of a single injection can last for several months. However, results vary depending on the severity of your condition and your body’s response to the treatment.

While some patients may require only one injection, others may benefit from additional treatments spaced several months apart. Your provider will assess your progress and recommend the right approach for your condition.

Alternatives to Bursa Injections

Not all patients are candidates for injections, and others may prefer to try alternative therapies first. Common options include physical therapy, stretching programs, anti-inflammatory medications, and rest. For more complex or chronic cases, advanced treatments like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy may be considered.

It is important to understand that a bursa injection is one tool in a broader pain management strategy. A combination of therapies often provides the best long-term results.

When to Talk to a Pain Specialist about Bursa Injections 

At Greater Austin Pain Center, we offer advanced treatment options for shoulder and hip pain, including bursa injections. Whether your pain is caused by inflammation, overuse, or chronic conditions like arthritis, our pain doctors are here to help restore your mobility and comfort.

With locations in Austin, Dripping Springs, San Marcos, and Kyle, quality pain relief is just around the corner.

Call today or schedule your appointment online to see if bursa injections are right for you.