What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Coxa Saltans
• Dancer's Hip
• Iliopsoas Tendinitis

What is Snapping Hip? (Definition/Background Information)

• Snapping Hip is a medical condition characterized by a snapping sensation that individuals experience while walking, running, or rotating their leg
• The condition may occur in different areas of the hip:
  • In the front portion of the hip: In some cases of Snapping Hip, the hip flexor muscles may roll over the front of the hipbone. In other cases, the hip ligaments may roll over the thighbone or tissues of the hip joint
  • At the side of the hip: It is the most common site of Snapping Hip. It involves the iliotibial band (ITB) rolling over the outer part of the thighbone
  • At the back of the hip: Snapping in the back of the hip involves the hamstring tendon rolling over the bottom of the hip bone
• Snapping Hip is usually caused by tightness in the muscles and tendons that surround the hip. Although the condition is usually painless, individuals may experience discomfort due to the snapping or popping sensation
• Individuals who participate in sports or activities that require repetitive bending of the hip, such as gymnastics, football, running, and ballet dancing, are more likely to experience Snapping Hip
• Many individuals do not require medical attention unless they start to experience pain in their hips. The prognosis of Snapping Hip is usually good in a majority of individuals

Who gets Snapping Hip? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Snapping Hip may occur in individuals of all ages, races, ethnic groups, and both genders
• Individuals between the ages of 15 and 40 years old are more likely to be affected
• Overall, the incidence of the condition is higher in females than males

What are the Risk Factors for Snapping Hip? (Predisposing Factors)

The common risk factors for Snapping Hip include:

• Participation in sports and activities, such as gymnastics, football, running, and ballet dancing, which require chronic and repetitive hip bending, are more likely to experience Snapping Hip
• Degenerative joint disease, such as osteoarthritis
• Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), which is characterized by abnormally-shaped bones within the hip
• Loose cartilage or bone within the hip joint

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one's chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Snapping Hip? (Etiology)

Snapping Hip is caused by a small discrepancy in the anatomy of the hip that prevents the hip joint from working smoothly. This can result from a tight Iliotibial band, which is a tendon-like connective tissue that runs down the side of the thigh. When the Iliotibial band is too tight, it can cause a snapping sensation during any physical activity that involves the hip.

Snapping Hip may be also caused by the following conditions:

• An abnormally tight Iliopsoas tendon, which can create a snapping sensation during a physical exertion
• Torn cartilage in the hip joint

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Snapping Hip?

The signs and symptoms of Snapping Hip may include:

• A snapping sensation while walking or running
• Swelling and tenderness of the hip
• Tightness in the front or back of the hip
• Difficulty performing routine daily activities, which include walking or getting up from a chair

How is Snapping Hip Diagnosed?

Diagnostic methods for Snapping Hip may include:

• Physical examination: It is important for an individual to discuss their symptoms so a physician can help determine the exact cause of the snapping in the hip. A physician may ask for information about the snapping or pain, and the circumstances that lead up to the snapping sensation in the hip. In addition to this, a complete medical history can aid in arriving at a definitive diagnosis
• X-ray of the hip: X-rays use radiation to produce images of the joints. Even though the x-rays images may not usually show any hip abnormities, it can help the physician rule out other possible bone or joint conditions that cause similar symptoms

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Snapping Hip?

The complications of Snapping Hip may include:

• Recurrent symptoms of the condition
• Extended healing time, if it is not properly treated
• Some individuals may experience emotional stress due to snapping of the hip

How is Snapping Hip Treated?

Snapping Hip may be treated with both nonsurgical and surgical methods. However, this condition is most commonly treated with a series of conservative options, such as:

• Avoiding any activity that further aggravates the condition: A physician usually recommends to refrain from all such activities, until the symptoms get better
• Applying a damp heated towel or ice to the hip, can help reduce pain and swelling
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory oral medications, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, may be used to treat a Snapping Hip. These medications can help decrease pain and swelling in the region

A physician may recommend physical therapy exercises to obtain relief from the symptoms. Assistance from a physical therapist may be taken, who may recommend the following stretching exercises:

• Iliotibial band stretch: The following are the steps of the iliotibial band stretch
  • Stand upright next to a wall for reinforcement
  • Cross the leg closest to the wall behind the opposite leg
  • Lean the hip toward the wall, until a stretch is felt on the outside of the hip. Gently hold the stretch for approximately 30 seconds
  • Repeat this process on the other side
  • Do 2 to 3 steps of 4 repetitions on both sides
• Piriformis stretch: The following are the steps of the Piriformis stretch
  • Begin this stretch by lying down with the knees bent and flat on the floor
  • Cross the foot of the injured hip over the other knee and hold the hands behind the thigh
  • Pull the thigh toward your body until a stretch in the hip and buttocks is felt. Gently hold the stretch for approximately 30 seconds
  • Repeat this process on the other side
  • Do 2 to 3 steps of 4 repetitions on both sides
• For individuals who have hip bursitis, an injection of corticosteroid medications, such as prednisone, into the bursa can help decrease any painful inflammation

Surgical treatment of Snapping Hip includes:

• Hip arthroscopy: Arthroscopic surgery is a minimally-invasive surgical procedure that is used to visualize, diagnose, and repair the hip joint, using small medical instruments. These instruments are inserted through a small incision within the hip. This procedure is usually used to remove fragments of a torn labrum
• Open hip surgery: A traditional open surgical approach that includes making an incision several centimeters long, which may be required identify the cause of the Snapping Hip. This procedure can help the physician observe and obtain access to the problem within the hip

How can Snapping Hip be Prevented?

Preventive measures for Snapping Hip may include:

• Warming-up, prior to playing a sport may be helpful
• Individuals who participate in sports, such as gymnastics, football, running, and ballet dancing, should wear appropriate safety equipment to help prevent the possibility of any injury or bone fracture
• Wearing suitable footwear to help prevent injury to the leg
• Modify or regulate exercise program allowing a chance to recover between exercises

What is the Prognosis of Snapping Hip? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• The long-term prognosis of Snapping Hip is usually excellent, for a majority of individuals. In most cases, the condition will resolve by itself, even if treatment is necessary
• In rare cases, a physician may recommend surgery, if the condition does not respond to conservative methods
• If properly treated, Snapping Hip usually resolves in 2 to 6 weeks

Additional and Relevant Useful information for Snapping Hip:

The following DoveMed website link is a useful resource for additional information:

https://www.dovemed.com/health-topics/orthopedc-disorders/