Cortisone injection in hip area

[sorrel32]

Was wondering if one cortisone injection into the hip/gluteal tendon area would be detrimental to the hip bone?

I think that is what I will need to dx what is happening in my hips.

Thanks in advance.

Sorry for all the questions. I'm so overwhelmed with probs!!

I had to put off my breast MRI (I had stage 0 bc treated with lumpectomy and radiation in the summer of 2021).

I have to get MRI every six months... all has been clear so far, but I was in too much back discomfort to do it this past Sept.

Too many things!

Thank you all for your support.

[Jemi7266]

I got 1 cortisone injection a few yrs ago from my primary physician. The injection helped a bit but I don’t it’s worth the risk and my endocrinologist advised against it.

I did get X-rays and know that I have some arthritis in my hips. I use Ztildo 1.8 % patches or Volarán gel and it helps my back & hip pain.

But just like you, I have a lot of pain on my hips when I’m in bed and even when I sit for 30+ minutes. I also have a lot of rib pain, especially if I press something against it or I bend at the waist.

Have you had any radiology tests on your hips?

[sorrel32 in reply to Jemi7266]

Yes, I've had an MRI. Hips and back were fine. And yet, I had an osteopathic (DO) do an ultrasound which showed gluteal tendinitis around that area... I'm confused b/c other doctors didn't think much of the ultrasound. I also can't sit for more than 30 minutes without back or hip pain.

I wasn't planning on more than one injection b/c apparently they can dx and rule things out based on how it works.

Arthritis has been ruled out too.

I've used voltaren as well... I just miss being able to sleep without worrying about soreness waking me up! I want to know what is happening.

Sorry you're dealing with the same.

Hugs,

Sorrel x

[Foodie2shoes in reply to sorrel32]

Last April, an MRI showed that I had torn my labrum, TFL, glute medius muscle and had tendonitis in my left hip. I could not walk without pain and transitioning from seated to standing and the first few steps were excruciating. Forget going upstairs. I was started with a Physical Therapist who did dry needling and gave me exercises. I had minor improvement so was referred to the MD who did the steroid injection to alleviate pain enough so that I could actually do the exercises to rehab the hip. It made a huge difference! Another round of PT, dry needling and daily exercises are helping me improve. It is better- not resolved. The MD said the next treatment would be something called PRP (I think) where they literally punch holes in the tendon and then insert my own blood platelets into the holes. Sort of like aerating the lawn and then fertilizing it. This is because tendons have such low blood supply, they take a long time to heal. I cannot use Voltaren/Nsaids routinely due to stomach issues, but I do use it when I'm really hurting. I would suggest seeing a PT for some exercises or dry needling if that is available for you.

My MD also said that they do not like to give multiple steroid injections because it can lead to atraumatic ruptures like the achilles tendon. It's a miracle in very small doses.

[Larochka in reply to Foodie2shoes]

May I ask what’s dry needling therapy is about ?

[Foodie2shoes in reply to Larochka]

Acupuncture- like needles are inserted into the affected muscle and then electrical stimulation is attached. It creates a deeper contraction that e-stim by itself. Slightly uncomfortable but effective.

[Jemi7266]

sorry, I see that you have had an MRI

[yogalibrarian]

In general, the bone damage from steroids -- oral, inhaled, or topical -- is dose and duration dependent. Long term use -- such as treatment for RA) -- has a much different impact that short term topical -- for poison ivy.

A short course of treatment should not cause problems. If you needed to have injections at high doses for a long time, your health care provider should also be looking at the impact on your bones.

[sorrel32 in reply to yogalibrarian]

Yes, I understand that it's dose dependent, but an injection seems a bit more and there is research showing that injection into the spine can cause probs with bone health is those with OP...

Yet, the research on hips is conflicting.

I would only do one injection.

Thank you, yoga librarian for your response!

[Indian_Summer in reply to yogalibrarian]

This might be a side track and I ought perhaps to start a new question on this, but only briefly here: You mention inhaled steroids. I've been wondering how harmful long term use of Relvar Ellipta (fluticasone furoate / vilanterol) is when simultaneously suffering from severe osteoporosis. I started inhaling the high dose, 184 micrograms/22 micrograms inhalation powder, 10 months ago, and it's really helpful for my asthma, that like my OP had been untreated for too long a time. Wonder how long is too long when it comes to bone health. Reumatologist didn't seem to think it was any concern, but when I do search on it I find exactly what you say - that long term use is bad for bone. Maybe time to look for natural substitutes for this inhaler...?