Snapping Hip Syndrome

Snapping hip syndrome is a condition characterized by a snapping or popping sensation in the hip when moving the leg, such as when walking, standing up, or bending over. It is caused by the movement of a tendon, ligament, or muscle over a bony structure in the hip joint. In most cases, snapping hip syndrome is not painful, but in some cases, it can cause discomfort and limited mobility. Snapping hip syndrome can occur in individuals of all ages and activity levels, but it is most commonly seen in athletes and dancers who engage in repetitive hip movements.

Causes of Snapping Hip Syndrome

Snapping hip syndrome can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

Muscular imbalances: Muscle imbalances can cause excessive tension and friction in the hip joint, leading to snapping hip syndrome.

Tight hip muscles: Tight hip muscles can cause the muscles, tendons, and ligaments to rub against the bones in the hip joint, causing a snapping sensation.

Loose hip joint: A loose hip joint can cause the muscles and tendons to move around more freely, resulting in a snapping or popping sensation.

Hip impingement: Hip impingement occurs when the bones in the hip joint rub against each other, causing friction and irritation.

Hip labral tears: A tear in the labrum, which is a piece of cartilage in the hip joint that provides stability, can cause snapping hip syndrome.

Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursa, which is a fluid-filled sac that provides cushioning between bones and soft tissues, can cause snapping hip syndrome.

Structural abnormalities: Structural abnormalities in the hip joint, such as a bony prominence, can cause snapping hip syndrome.

It is important to seek evaluation and treatment from a healthcare professional if you are experiencing snapping hip syndrome, as the underlying cause may require specific treatment to prevent further complications.

Signs and Symptoms of Snapping Hip Syndrome

The primary symptom of snapping hip syndrome is a snapping or popping sensation in the hip when moving the leg, such as when walking, standing up, or bending over. The sensation may be audible or felt only by the person experiencing it.

Other signs and symptoms of snapping hip syndrome may include:

• Discomfort or pain in the hip or groin area, especially with prolonged activity or repetitive movements.
• Limited range of motion in the hip joint.
• Swelling or inflammation around the hip joint.
• A sensation of the hip locking or catching, which can cause difficulty walking or standing up.

In most cases, snapping hip syndrome is not painful and does not require treatment. However, if the symptoms are causing discomfort or affecting your mobility, it is important to seek evaluation and treatment from a healthcare professional. Your healthcare provider can perform a physical examination to determine the underlying cause of the snapping hip and develop a personalized treatment plan to address your specific needs.

Treatment for Snapping Hip Syndrome

Physiotherapy can be an effective treatment option for snapping hip syndrome, especially when the underlying cause is related to muscle imbalances or tightness in the hip joint. The specific physiotherapy treatment will depend on the underlying cause and the severity of the symptoms, but it may include:

Stretching exercises: Stretching exercises can help to improve flexibility in the hip joint and reduce tension in the muscles and tendons.

Strengthening exercises: Strengthening exercises can help to improve the stability of the hip joint and correct muscle imbalances that may be causing the snapping sensation.

Manual therapy: Manual therapy techniques, such as massage or joint mobilization, can help to reduce tension in the muscles and improve range of motion in the hip joint.

Activity modification: Modifying or avoiding activities that cause the snapping sensation can help to reduce symptoms and prevent further injury.

Education: Learning proper movement mechanics and techniques can help to prevent future episodes of snapping hip syndrome and reduce the risk of injury.

In some cases, more aggressive treatment may be necessary, such as corticosteroid injections or surgery. Your physiotherapist can work with you and your healthcare provider to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and goals.

If you have any questions or would like to speak to a therapist about snapping hip syndrome please call us at 03 9836 1126.

Reference:

Gebauer, M., et al. (2020). Effectiveness of physiotherapy for the treatment of snapping hip syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation