When a Hip Nerve Block May Be Recommended
A hip nerve block is used to ease pain from many conditions affecting the hip, including:
- Hip osteoarthritis – Wear and tear of the joint cartilage
- Hip fractures – Pain and inflammation during recovery
- Bursitis – Irritation of the fluid-filled sacs around the hip
- Tendinitis – Inflammation of the hip tendons
- Labral tears – Damage to the cartilage ring surrounding the hip socket
- Post-surgical pain – Discomfort following hip replacement or repair surgery
By interrupting pain signals, a hip nerve block can relieve pain, reduce stiffness and swelling, and improve hip mobility. In some cases, it can also help delay or avoid surgery by making conservative treatments more effective.
How the Procedure Works
A hip nerve block is performed as an outpatient procedure and typically takes less than an hour. You will lie on a procedure table while the skin over the hip is cleaned and sterilized. A small amount of local anesthetic is applied to numb the area. Using real-time imaging such as fluoroscopy (X-ray) or ultrasound, your doctor guides a thin needle to the specific nerves around the hip joint. A precise injection of local anesthetic—often combined with a corticosteroid for longer-lasting results—is then delivered. After a brief monitoring period, you can return home the same day.
Recovery and Expected Results
Many people notice immediate or next-day pain relief and improved mobility. You may feel temporary numbness or mild soreness at the injection site, which typically resolves within a few hours. Pain relief can last from several weeks to a few months. Some patients benefit from a series of injections or may transition to additional treatments such as radiofrequency ablation for longer-term relief. By easing pain, a hip nerve block can make physical therapy more comfortable and effective, further supporting long-term recovery.
Benefits of a Hip Nerve Block
- Rapid and targeted pain relief
- Greater freedom of movement and improved quality of life
- Ability to participate in rehabilitation and exercise
- Reduced reliance on oral pain medications
- Potential to delay or avoid hip surgery
Risks and Safety
Hip nerve blocks are generally safe and well-tolerated. Minor side effects may include slight bruising, mild bleeding, or temporary numbness in the hip or leg. Infections or nerve damage are rare. Your provider will review your medical history and any allergies to minimize risks and ensure the procedure is appropriate for you.
Supporting Your Comprehensive Pain Care
A hip nerve block is often one part of a broader pain management strategy. Your pain specialist may recommend combining this procedure with physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, or other targeted treatments. Depending on your condition, additional options such as a Suprascapular Nerve Block for shoulder pain, Occipital Nerve Block for chronic headaches and neck pain, or Sympathetic Nerve Block for complex nerve pain may also be considered. For a complete overview of related treatments, visit our Nerve Blocks hub.
Take the Next Step
If chronic hip pain limits your mobility or daily comfort, a hip nerve block may help you move more freely and live with less pain. Schedule a consultation with your pain specialist to discuss whether this procedure is right for you and to create a personalized care plan.
Videos
Citations
- Stevens MS, Legakis JE, Benirschke SK, et al. Pain relief and functional recovery following hip nerve block in patients with chronic hip pain. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2011;93(18):1722-1728.
- Krych AJ, Griffith TB, Huddleston PM, et al. Clinical outcomes after hip nerve block for the treatment of hip pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Orthop J Sports Med. 2016;4(11):2325967116677072.
Pain Medicine Interventions
- Initial Treatment: Before considering a hip nerve block, patients should explore conservative treatments such as oral pain medications (NSAIDs, acetaminophen), physical therapy, and intra-articular steroid injections.
- Combination Therapy: After the procedure, combining the hip nerve block with continued physical therapy and possibly adjusting pain medications can optimize pain management and improve functional outcomes.
- Long-term Management: Regular follow-ups are essential, and repeated nerve blocks or transitioning to other interventions like radiofrequency ablation may be necessary for long-term pain relief.
Lab Tests
- Pre-procedure Testing: Specific lab tests are generally not required for a hip nerve block. However, basic blood tests may be conducted to rule out any underlying conditions or infections that could complicate the procedure.
- Routine Monitoring: For patients with underlying health conditions, routine blood work might be necessary to ensure overall health and suitability for repeated procedures.
