Snapping Hip Syndrome

What is snapping hip syndrome, and how is it treated?

Topic at a Glance

Snapping hip syndrome is caused by tight tendons or bands of tissue that cause a snapping or clicking sensation as they move over bone.
Common causes for the tight tendons or tissue bands include repetitive movement and overuse.
Apart from the typical snapping or clicking sound, you may also feel pain, catching, or reduced range of motion.
Treatments include rest, activity modification, physical therapy, medication, and rarely, surgery.

Snapping Hip Syndrome

Snapping hip syndrome is a condition that causes snapping or clicking around the hip during movement. At first, the condition may be painless, but if it’s not treated, it could lead to pain and inflammation. If this condition is affecting you, then read on to learn more about the causes and treatment options available.

At OrthoNeuro, our orthopedic hip specialists can evaluate snapping hip pain and other symptoms and provide tailored treatment plans. If you are experiencing snapping sounds with hip movement and would like to know more, then book an appointment at one of our Columbus, Ohio locations.

What is Snapping Hip Syndrome?

Snapping hip syndrome occurs when a tendon or other structure moves over a bone during hip movement, creating a noticeable snap or click. Sometimes the symptoms can cause just a snapping sound and, in some cases, other symptoms.

There are three types of snapping hip syndrome. They include the following:

External snapping hip: This involves the iliotibial band moving over structures around the outside of the hip.
Internal snapping hip: This occurs when the iliopsoas tendon passes over the bones of the femur or pelvis. It is sometimes called coxa saltans.
Intra-articular snapping: occurs because of a problem inside the hip joint, such as a torn labrum.

What Causes Snapping Hip Syndrome?

Snapping hip syndrome is usually caused by a tight tendon or band when it moves over a bony structure during movement. This may happen when you have tight muscles and tendons surrounding your hip.

The tightness in the tendon or iliotibial band can be caused by repetitive movement and overuse from sports and activities that involve hip flexion.

What Are the Symptoms of Snapping Hip Syndrome?

The most common symptom is the audible or noticeable snapping/clicking sound during certain movements. Initially, the snapping may not cause pain, but this can develop over time. You may also feel a catching sensation, decreased range of motion, or feel like the hip is dislocating.

The symptoms can be felt either on the outside of your hip or inside the groin area.

How is Snapping Hip Syndrome Diagnosed?

Your doctor will begin diagnosis by asking about your symptoms and activities. During the diagnosis, they will perform a physical examination to determine what movements are causing the snapping or pain.

Imaging tests may be used to confirm the diagnosis or rule out other conditions that might be affecting the hip. This may include X-rays, MRI scans, or an ultrasound.

How Do You Treat Snapping Hip Syndrome?

Most cases of snapping hip syndrome are resolved with non-surgical treatments. The specific treatments used depend on the cause, symptoms, and severity of the condition.

Some of the conservative treatment options for snapping hip syndrome include the following:

Rest and activity modification
Ice
Anti-inflammatory medication/NSAIDs
Physical therapy including stretching and exercises to improve flexibility and strength
Corticosteroid injections

You will usually recover within a few weeks or months depending on the severity of your condition.

Surgical Treatments for Snapping Hip Syndrome

Surgery is rarely needed for snapping hip syndrome. When surgery is needed, it is usually when the symptoms are severe or continue despite conservative treatment.

The surgical approach depends on the type and underlying cause of snapping hip syndrome. For example, for internal snapping syndrome, your doctor may use the endoscopic iliopsoas tendon release procedure.

Make an Appointment with an OrthoNeuro Hip Specialist Today!

If you have persistent snapping or hip pain with limited range of motion, then make an appointment with one of the orthopedic hip specialists at OrthoNeuro. Our team can evaluate your condition and provide the appropriate treatment. Schedule your appointment today at one of our locations in Columbus, Ohio.

References

https://www.orthoinfo.org/diseases–conditions/snapping-hip/

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/snapping-hip-syndrome

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FAQs About Snapping Hip Syndrome

What is snapping hip syndrome?

Snapping hip syndrome is a condition characterized by a snapping or clicking sensation over the hip. The snapping can occur in different areas of the hip.

What causes snapping hip syndrome?

Tight muscles and tendons caused by repetitive hip movement and overuse can contribute to snapping hip syndrome. It is common in dancers, weightlifters, and runners.

What are the symptoms of snapping hip syndrome?

Common symptoms include snapping or clicking, pain, catching, reduced range of motion, and the feeling that your hip is dislocating.

How is snapping hip syndrome diagnosed?

Your doctor will perform a physical examination to check which movements cause the snapping and where they occur. Imaging tests such as X-rays, MRI, and ultrasound can help either confirm the diagnosis or rule out other causes of hip pain.

How is snapping hip syndrome treated?

Snapping hip syndrome is usually treated with conservative treatments such as activity modification, physical therapy, and medications. Surgery is rarely needed.

Hip Specialists

IF YOU HAVE SEVERE OR PERSISTENT HIP PAIN THAT INTERFERES WITH YOUR LIFE, CALL ORTHONEURO OR SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION ONLINE TODAY. OUR ORTHOPEDIC SURGEONS PROVIDE STATE-OF-THE-ART DIAGNOSIS AND PERSONALIZED TREATMENT.