Snapping Hip

What is snapping hip?

In a snapping hip, a tight iliopsoas tendon “snap,” “pops,” or “clunks” over top of the femoral head, pelvis and labrum. The “popping” may produce a loud sound, and may cause a sensation that the hip is popping “out of its socket” or dislocating – although this is not the case. In many cases, flexing and extending the hip when walking, sitting or standing can reproduce the snapping. It is not usually painful, but it can be for some people. Although snapping hip is usually painless and can be harmless, the sensation can be annoying. In some cases, snapping hip leads to bursitis, a painful swelling of the fluid-filled sacs that cushion the hip joint. It can also cause traction-type injuries to the labrum where the snapping tendon crosses the hip joint. Dr. Austin Chen, orthopedic hip and sports medicine specialist in the Boulder Colorado area specializes in treating snapping hip.

What are the types of snapping hip?

Internal Snapping Hip: This is most commonly caused when the iliopsoas tendon becomes chronically inflamed. When the tendon becomes inflamed, it can snap over the femoral head with movement of the hip, causing a painful snapping or clicking sensation on the anterior or front side of the hip.

External Snapping Hip: Similar to internal snapping hip, in that it is caused by inflammation of a tendon and irritated by movement of the hip joint. However, external snapping hip is typically caused by inflammation and tightness of the iliotibial band, a band of tissue that runs down the outside part of the hip and thigh and past the knee joint. This can commonly occur with or cause trochanteric bursitis, inflammation of the trochanteric bursa. These conditions can cause painful snapping on the outside of the hip.

What is the cause of snapping hip?

Snapping hip is commonly caused by abnormally tight muscles, tendons and fascia around the hip. Instead of gliding smoothly across the joint as you move your leg, an excessively tight tendon can catch on protruding parts of your thigh or hip bones. This happens in several places in the hip, depending which tendon is involved. Snapping hip is also caused by damaged cartilage that lines your hip joint.

Snapping hip is most often the result of tightness in the muscles and tendons surrounding the hip. People who are involved in sports and activities that require repeated bending at the hip are more likely to experience snapping hip. Dancers are especially vulnerable. Young athletes are also more likely to have snapping hip. This is because tightness in the muscle structures of the hip is common during adolescent growth spurts.

What are the treatment options of snapping hip?

Most people do not see a doctor for snapping hip unless they experience some pain. If the snapping hip bothers you, try rest and avoiding activities that cause it to happen. You may also benefit from physical therapy or injections. If these are not helpful, and it becomes painful, schedule a consult with Dr. Austin Chen to see if an iliopsoas lengthening surgery may be right for you.