SNAPPING HIP

If you suffer from  severe hip irritation or snap sensation, please Schedule an appointment with one of our orthopedic specialists as soon as possible.

What is Snapping Hip?

Orthopedic Hip Specialists characterize snapping hip as a condition that prompts patients to experience a “snap” sensation or hear a “pop” sound in the hip during walking or when rising from a seated position.

This snapping originates from a tendon or muscle tissue within the hip catching on a bony protrusion and then “snapping” off it, akin to an archer releasing a bowstring.

In the majority of cases, this condition remains benign, aside from the sensation, which some patients may find bothersome.

However, in some cases, this condition can lead to irritation and bursitis.

Two Main Types

External Snapping Hip: In this type, the iliotibial band (a thick band of connective tissue running along the outside of the thigh) snaps over the bony prominence of the femur (thigh bone) known as the greater trochanter. It often correlates with activities that entail repetitive hip flexion and extension, such as running or cycling.

Internal Snapping Hip: This variant occurs when the iliopsoas tendon (the tendon of the hip flexor muscles) snaps over structures within the hip joint, such as the bony prominence termed the iliopectineal eminence or the hip joint capsule. It typically arises from movements involving hip flexion, such as bringing the knee toward the chest.

Indication Of Snapping Hip

The primary symptom of a this condition is the audible or palpable snapping sensation that occurs during certain movements of the hip joint. However, in some cases, the snapping may be painless and not cause any significant discomfort. Other symptoms that can accompany a this condition include:

  1. Pain: Snapping hip can cause pain in the hip region, which can vary in intensity from mild to severe. The pain may be sharp or dull and may occur during or after the snapping sensation.
  2. Discomfort or Tenderness: The affected area may feel tender to the touch or be accompanied by a general sense of discomfort.
  3. Weakness: Some individuals with snapping hip may experience weakness or a feeling of instability in the hip joint.
  4. Swelling or Inflammation: In certain cases, there may be mild swelling or inflammation around the hip joint.
  5. Limited Range of Motion: Snapping hip can sometimes restrict the range of motion in the hip joint, particularly during movements that trigger the snapping sensation.

Treatment Options

Various treatment approaches are available for addressing this condition. Avoiding or adjusting activities that worsen the condition can help alleviate symptoms. Additionally, physical therapists prescribe strengthening exercises, stretching routines, and techniques to enhance hip biomechanics and improve overall hip stability. Healthcare providers may also suggest nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce inflammation and discomfort. In certain cases, corticosteroid injections or local anesthetics may be administered to alleviate pain and inflammation. Surgery is typically reserved as a final option when conservative measures are ineffective or when an underlying structural issue necessitates correction.

If you are experiencing symptoms of snapping hip, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional, such as an orthopedic specialist or a physical therapist, for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment recommendations based on your specific situation.

 

If you would like to speak to one of our Dallas based Orthopedic Specialist, give us a call at 817-697-4038, or contact us over the web. Tele-medicine appointments are also available.