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Snapping Hip Syndrome - Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

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Snapping hip condition makes the hip joint snap or pop at whatever point movement occurs. Read this article to learn more about snapping hip syndrome.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Anuj Gupta

Published At January 12, 2023
Reviewed AtJanuary 12, 2023

Introduction -

It is a condition in which the feeling of a snapping or a popping sound can be felt in the hip on walking, getting up from sitting, or elevating a leg. This condition can be caused by several things, from tight muscles to stress on the joint. Snapping hip syndrome can be treated with a little rest and some simple exercises. It is a painless condition, but in severe cases, painful swelling and bursitis can be seen. There will be possible consequences if it is left untreated.

What Is Snapping Hip Syndrome?

Snapping hip syndrome causes the hip joint to snap or pop whenever movement occurs. It is also known as Coxa Saltons or dancer’s hip. It is caused by several things, including Tight muscles, weak muscles, and excess movement in the joint. And it can lead to several problems, including pain, reduced mobility, and even dislocated hips. In the case of snapping hip syndrome, it is important to see a doctor. The doctor will diagnose the condition and help develop a treatment plan.

What Areas of the Hip Can Be Affected by Snapping Hip Syndrome?

It can occur in different hip parts where muscles move over the bony parts.

  • Outside the Hip-Site - Where the iliotibial band passes over thigh bones, is the most common site where snapping hip syndrome occurs. It is caused by iliotibial band movement. The iliotibial band is positioned behind the trochanter and moves over the trochanter while bending. The slightest escape of the trochanter from the iliotibial band causes snapping hip syndrome.

  • Front of the Hip - Rectus femoris tendon passes in front of the thigh bones. Rectus femoris tendon position above the thigh bone while bending and moving back to the straight position. Snapping hip syndrome is caused because of this repetitive back-and-forth motion.

  • Back of the Hip - Hamstring tendons are responsible for snapping hip syndrome in the back of the hip. Hamstring tendons are attached to the ischial tuberosity. Movement around ischial tuberosity causes snapping hip syndrome.

  • Cartilage Tear - It is a very uncommon site for snapping hip syndrome. Tearing labrum cartilage can cause snapping hip syndrome.

What Causes Snapping Hip Syndrome?

Snapping hip syndrome can be caused by several things, but muscle imbalance is the most common. Usually, one muscle becomes stronger than the opposing muscle, and the stronger muscles start to pull and put stress on the joint, leading to snapping hip syndrome. Some other causes of snapping hip syndrome are listed below -

  • Tight hip flexors.

  • Weak glutes.

  • Excessive running.

  • Poor posture.

What Symptoms Occur in Snapping Hip Syndrome?

Symptoms of snapping hip syndrome are as follows:

  • Pain.

  • Snapping or popping sensation.

  • Discomfort during movement.

How to Diagnose Snapping Hip Syndrome?

To diagnose snapping hip syndrome clearly, the doctor will ask about the history of snapping, previous sports activities, and any injury. Then, he will ask to move and walk to see the movement of tendons or bands over the hip.

Imaging Test - X-rays help provide a clear picture of bones. However, these are not helpful in soft tissue diagnosis.

What Are the Treatments for Snapping Hip Syndrome?

Immediately consult a doctor after experiencing snapping hip syndrome symptoms.

Physical Therapy - Physical therapy is the go-to treatment for this condition and usually involves a combination of stretches, exercises, and massage. Physical therapy includes:

  • Iliotibial band stretch.

  • Piriformis band stretch.

  • Corticosteroid injection.

Surgical Treatment - If symptoms of snapping hip syndrome persist after conservative therapy, the doctor recommends surgical treatment. Surgical treatment includes:

  • Hip arthroscopy.

  • Open surgery.

How to Prevent Snapping Hip Syndrome?

Snapping hip syndrome can be prevented by the following points:

  • A good warm-up before starting a workout will loosen up the muscles and tendons around the hip joint.

  • Using the proper form while doing the workout is helpful in the prevention of snapping hip syndrome. On the other hand, improper form can put a lot of stress on the hips, leading to snapping hip syndrome.

  • Provide time for muscle recovery after workouts. Muscles need time to rebuild and strengthen, so do not push too hard.

  • If any pain or tightness is felt in the hip muscles, stop all activities and rest until the pain disappears.

  • Try to do flexibility exercises to increase muscle flexibility.

What Complications Occur if Snapping Hip Syndrome Left Untreated?

Complications of snapping hip syndrome can be both short and long-term.

  • If the syndrome is left untreated, it can lead to further pain, discomfort, and movement problems.

  • A few long-term complications can also occur, such as damage to the joint of the surrounding tissues. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to address the issue.

  • Untreated snapping hip syndrome results in permanent restriction from sports.

What Is the Prognosis for Snapping Hip Syndrome?

In most cases, the syndrome resolves on its own. However, surgery is recommended in severe cases to correct the problem. A few things can help relieve the pain and promote healing.

  • Ice the area for 20 minutes several times a day.

  • Take anti-inflammatory medication as prescribed by the doctor.

  • Start stretching and warm up the muscles around the hip.

If the problem persists after completing these treatments, it is time to see a doctor. The doctor can tell if surgery is necessary and help get back to normal activities as quickly as possible.

Who Is at Risk of Snapping Hip Syndrome?

Following people at risk of snapping hip syndrome:

  • Active and regularly engaged in physical activity are at risk of snapping hip syndrome because running and jumping cause stress on the hip joint and can cause the ligaments to snap.

  • Tight muscles in the hip or buttocks can also lead to snapping hip syndrome. Tight muscles can put a lot of stress on the ligaments and tend to snap more easily.

Conclusion 

Snapping hip syndrome can cause a lot of pain and discomfort. While the causes can vary, The consequences of not seeking treatment are quite serious. For example, someone who likes to be active and has tight muscles might be more at risk for this condition. However, early treatment can help avoid any long-term damage and get back to living a healthy, pain-free life. Snapping hip syndrome has self-healing properties, but conservative treatment is helpful in some cases. Serious cases need surgical interventions followed by a rehabilitation program.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.

What Are the Ways To Stop Snapping Hip Conditions?

Ice the affected area and reduce the activity level. Use nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications like Aspirin or Ibuprofen to ease discomfort. Physical therapy helps a lot in treating snapping hip syndrome.

2.

What Sort of Snapping Hip Disorder Do Ballet Artists Normally Get?

Ballet artists may commonly experience a snapping hip disorder known as dancer's hip or coxa saltans. This condition is described by a snapping or popping sensation in the hip joint during movements such as bending, extending, or rotating the hip. 

3.

When Should Snapping Hip Syndrome Surgery Be Performed?

At least six months of conservative treatment should be continued. If the patient is not relieved, surgical treatment aims to release the contracted ITB.

4.

How Serious Is Snapping Hip Syndrome?

Even though snapping the hip is typically easy and innocuous, the sensation can pester. Snapping the hip sometimes prompts bursitis, an excruciating expansion of the liquid-filled sacs that pad the hip joint.

5.

For What Reason Do I Have a Snapping Hip Disorder?

Most of the time, tightness in the muscles and tendons that surround the hip causes a snapping hip. Individuals engaged with sports and exercises that require continued twisting at the hip are bound to encounter snapping hips. Dancers are particularly susceptible.

6.

What Is the Duration of Snapping Hip Syndrome?

Side effects increase over an extensive period, commonly months to years. With the patient experiencing a snapping or sensation of subluxation of the hip (that is, pseudo subluxation), external snapping hip is typically more apparent on clinical examination.

7.

What Injury Can Prompt Snapping Hip Condition?

Inward extra-articular snapping hip is a typical abuse injury brought about by a tight or kindled (disturbed) hip flexor or when muscle strength in the hip muscles is inconsistent (one side is more grounded than the other).

8.

How To Permanently Get Rid of Snapping Hip?

Rest is typically the most effective treatment for snapping hip syndrome. Children should avoid painful movements. Physical therapy, also known as PT, can assist in stretching and strengthening the muscles that surround the hip. Therapists may use massage and high-frequency sound waves called ultrasound to loosen tight muscles and tendons.

9.

How to Treat Snapping Hip Condition?

- Rest is typically the most effective treatment for snapping hip syndrome.
- Physical Therapy (PT): PT can help stretch and strengthen the hip muscles.
- Over-The-Counter (OTC) Medicines: It includes Ibuprofen and Naproxen, which can alleviate swelling and pain.

10.

Does Snapping Hip Disorder Lead to Bursitis?

The snap one hears is caused by the band moving across the trochanter, which juts out slightly. Hip bursitis may develop eventually as a result of snapping the hip. The bursa, a liquid-filled sac that permits muscle to move flawlessly over bone, thickens and becomes excited in bursitis.

11.

What Occurs After Some Time With Hip Snapping Disorder?

Hip bursitis may develop eventually as a result of snapping the hip. In bursitis, the fluid-filled sac known as the bursa thickens and becomes inflamed, allowing the muscle to glide smoothly over the bone.

12.

Where to Feel Pain in Case of Snapping Hip Disorder?

While people walk, get up from a chair, or move their legs, they may hear or feel a popping sound in their hip, known as a snapping hip. People will feel it snap when a muscle or tendon (strong tissue that connects muscles to bones) moves over a hip bony protrusion.

13.

How to Know if A Person Has Internal or External Snapping Hip Disorder?

Additionally, iliopsoas bursitis, associated tendonitis, or muscle tears can be detected by dynamic ultrasonography. A determination of inward snapping hip disorder can be affirmed utilizing iliopsoas bursography joined with fluoroscopy, dynamic ultrasonography, attractive reverberation imaging, or attractive reverberation arthrography.

14.

Can Lower Back Pain Be Caused by Snapping Hip Syndrome?

Dance instability can result from this motion stressing the lumbar spine's bones. Dancers frequently tighten the muscles surrounding the lumbar spine to compensate for this instability, resulting in tightness, pain in the low back, snapping, and pain in the anterior hip.
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Dr. Anuj Gupta
Dr. Anuj Gupta

Spine Surgery

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