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 define snapping hip as a condition that causes patients to feel a “snap” sensation or hear a “pop” sound in the hip when they walk or stand up from a sitting position.

The source of this snapping involves a tendon or muscle tissue inside the hip catching on some kind of bony protrusion and then “snapping” off it like an archer releasing a bowstring

In most cases, snapping the hip will remain harmless other than the sensation which some patients may find annoying. In some cases, however, snapping hip can lead to irritation and bursitis.

Two Main Types Of Snapping Hip

1. External Snapping Hip: This occurs when the iliotibial band (a thick band of connective tissue that runs along the outside of the thigh) snaps over the bony prominence of the femur (thigh bone) called the greater trochanter. It is often associated with activities that involve repetitive hip flexion and extension, such as running or cycling.
2. Internal Snapping Hip: This occurs when the iliopsoas tendon (the tendon of the hip flexor muscles) snaps over structures within the hip joint, such as the bony prominence called the iliopectineal eminence or the hip joint capsule. It is typically associated with movements that involve hip flexion, such as bringing the knee towards the chest.

Indication Of Snapping Hip

The primary symptom of a snapping hip 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 snapping hip 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 For Snapping Hip

Treatment options for snapping hip depend on the underlying cause and the severity of symptoms. They may include:

• Rest and Modification of Activities: Avoiding or modifying activities that exacerbate the snapping hip can help alleviate symptoms.
• Physical Therapy: Strengthening exercises, stretching, and techniques to improve hip biomechanics can be prescribed by a physical therapist to address muscle imbalances and improve overall hip stability.
• Anti-inflammatory Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be recommended to reduce inflammation and alleviate discomfort.
• Injections: In some cases, corticosteroid injections or local anesthetics can be administered to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
• Surgical Intervention: Surgery is typically considered a last resort and is reserved for cases where conservative measures have failed or if there is an underlying structural issue that requires 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.