Offered in East Orange and Newark, NJ

If you’re dealing with a hip condition, whether it’s caused by injury, aging, underlying disease, overuse, or any other factors, the non-surgical injections available at Prospect Spine and Pain (PSP) could be highly beneficial for you. A subset of Nirvana Healthcare Management Services, our Newark, NJ practice is home to board-certified, fellowship-trained Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) physician, Dr. Maria Cabodevilla-Conn, who is standing by to accurately pinpoint the cause of your hip pain and develop a customized minimally invasive treatment plan that may involve hip injections. Experience pain relief, experience the Nirvana difference. Contact us today to get started!

About Hip Injections

Hip injections are a viable treatment option for patients who have attempted other minimally invasive treatments, like anti-inflammatory medications and physical therapy, but have yet to find relief from their symptoms, which may include:

• Trouble with mobility and/or limping
• Stiffness, swelling, tenderness, and weakness
• Abnormal sensations such as numbness, sticking, locking, or grinding
• Pain when bending or leaning over or that radiates to the extremities
• Symptoms that worsen or flare up after vigorous activity, in the morning, during rainy weather, or after long periods of sitting

To determine whether hip injections are a viable treatment option for our patients, Dr. Maria Cabodevilla-Conn will deploy specialized examination techniques, utilize medical imaging, and more to rule out other potential causes of a patient’s symptoms and form an accurate diagnosis. She will then rely on her expertise to determine which minimally invasive treatment options, such as hip injections, may be most effective for hip conditions such as:

• Bursitis of the hip
• Osteoarthritis
• Inflammatory arthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Ankylosing spondylitis
• Systemic lupus erythematosus
• Psoriatic arthritis
• And more…

Types of Hip Injections

There are several types of hip injections, and the right option for your condition will depend on the exact components of the hip that are affected. The hip joint itself is made up of the femur (thigh bone) and pelvis, which contains the ilium, pubis, and ischium bones. The hip is also home to bursae, which are tiny, fluid-filled sacs found throughout the body that cushion bones, tendons, and muscles. There are two types of major bursae located in the hip, including trochanteric and ischial bursa, which can become irritated or inflamed and affect the hip’s side or upper buttocks, respectively.

After determining a correct diagnosis, Dr. Maria Cabodevilla-Conn may recommend an injection to reduce the inflammation and recommend targeted physical therapy to help improve pain and mobility. The most common types of hip injections include:

• Corticosteroid Injections: Corticosteroids are powerful anti-inflammatory medications. In hip injections, corticosteroids are injected directly into the hip joint to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and improve mobility. A corticosteroid injection can provide temporary relief for conditions such as osteoarthritis, bursitis, and tendonitis.
• Hyaluronic Acid Injections (Viscosupplementation): Hyaluronic acid injections are used to lubricate and cushion the hip joint, particularly in cases of osteoarthritis. Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance found in joint fluid, and injecting it into the hip joint can help improve joint mobility and reduce pain.
• Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections: PRP therapy involves injecting a concentrated solution of the patient’s own platelets into the hip joint. Platelets contain growth factors that can help stimulate tissue repair and reduce inflammation. PRP injections are often used for conditions such as hip osteoarthritis, tendonitis, and ligament injuries.
• Stem Cell Injections: Stem cell therapy involves injecting stem cells derived from the patient’s own bone marrow or adipose tissue into the hip joint. Stem cells have the potential to differentiate into various types of cells and promote tissue regeneration. Stem cell injections are being investigated as a potential treatment for hip osteoarthritis and other hip conditions.
• Nerve Block Injections: Nerve block injections involve injecting a local anesthetic and sometimes a corticosteroid around the nerves that innervate the hip joint. These injections can help relieve pain by temporarily blocking the transmission of pain signals from the hip joint to the brain. Nerve block injections are often used for diagnostic purposes or as a short-term treatment for hip pain.

Procedure Details

Pre-Injection Preparation

Before undergoing a hip joint injection, your healthcare provider will provide detailed instructions to ensure the procedure goes smoothly. This may involve avoiding certain medications or foods that could interfere with the injection process. Additionally, it’s essential to discuss any concerns or questions you may have with your healthcare provider beforehand.

During the procedure, patients are typically positioned comfortably, and the injection site is cleaned thoroughly to minimize the risk of infection. Numbing medicine may also be used to help reduce discomfort during the injection.

Injection Process

The hip joint injection procedure itself is relatively quick and straightforward. Once the injection site is prepped, the healthcare provider will use fluoroscopic guidance to ensure precise placement of the needle into the hip joint. This real-time imaging helps to target the source of pain accurately, maximizing the effectiveness of the injection. Once the needle is in the correct position, the medication is injected directly into the joint. The entire process typically takes about 15-30 minutes. While receiving the injection, most patients typically experience a fleeting sensation of slight pressure or discomfort. However, this effect is short-lived, and many individuals even start to feel immediate pain relief shortly after the procedure. After the injection, patients are monitored briefly before being cleared to return home.

Post-Injection Care

After your hip injection, it’s normal to experience numbness around the injection site due to the anesthetic. This usually subsides within a few hours. Temporary soreness may also occur, which can be relieved with ice packs and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications.

We recommend avoiding strenuous activities for a couple of days following the procedure. However, you can usually resume normal activities within 24 hours. Our team will provide detailed post-injection care instructions to ensure your recovery is comfortable and swift.

Benefits of Hip Injections

Pain Relief

One of the main benefits of hip injections is the complete pain relief many patients report. By targeting the source of pain directly within the hip joint, these injections offer a potent solution for individuals struggling with chronic hip pain. The medication works to reduce inflammation and alleviate discomfort, allowing you to see a significant reduction in your symptoms. For many individuals, this pain relief can be life-changing, enabling them to resume activities they once enjoyed without being hindered by hip discomfort.

Improved Mobility and Functionality

In addition to pain relief, hip injections can also lead to improved mobility and functionality. Patients often find that reducing inflammation and easing discomfort within the hip joint improves their range of motion, allowing for easier movement and enhanced functionality. Whether it’s walking, climbing stairs, or participating in recreational activities, many individuals experience a newfound freedom and flexibility after undergoing hip joint injections. This improved mobility can have a significant impact on overall quality of life.

Reduced Need for Surgery

For individuals dealing with hip pain that has not responded to conservative treatments, injections offer a non-surgical alternative that can help postpone or even eliminate the need for procedures such as hip replacement surgery. By providing effective pain relief and improving mobility, these injections can delay the need for surgical intervention, allowing patients to explore other treatment options or continue managing their symptoms non-invasively.

Minimal Downtime and Recovery

Unlike surgery, which often requires weeks or even months of recovery time, hip injections typically involve minimal downtime. Most patients are able to resume their normal activities shortly after the procedure. While it’s essential to follow any post-injection guidelines provided by your healthcare provider, the recovery period for hip joint injections is generally much shorter and less disruptive than that of surgical interventions. This allows patients to get back to their daily routines sooner and enjoy the benefits of pain relief without prolonged downtime.

Request An Appointment at Prospect Spine and Pain (PSP)

Don’t let hip pain interfere with your mobility and affect your quality of life. To learn more about whether hip injections may be the right treatment option for you, contact us todayfor a consultation with Dr. Maria Cabodevilla-Conn at Prospect Spine and Pain (PSP) in Newark, NJ.