Snapping hip syndrome is a condition that can cause pain in the hip and groin. It is caused by a snapping sensation in the hip joint and can be treated with a combination of methods including stretches, exercises, and surgery. In this blog post, we will discuss what snapping hip syndrome is, how it is diagnosed and treated, and some of the risks associated with it.
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What Is Snapping Hip Syndrome?
Snapping hip syndrome is a condition that causes a snapping sensation or noise in the hip joint when moving. It can occur on the outside of the hip (lateral hip snaps) or on the inside (medial hip snaps). The snapping may be caused by the movement of tendons or muscles over bony structures, or it may be due to the displacement of a cartilage disk in the joint.
The condition is also known as coxa saltans, dancers’ hip, and clicky hip. It is most common in young people and athletes, but it can occur at any age.
What Are the Symptoms of Snapping Hip Syndrome?
There are various symptoms of Snapping Hip Syndrome. These are as follows:
- A snapping sensation in the hip region while walking, running, or engaging in other activities.
- Pain in the hip region may worsen with activity.
- Stiffness and decreased range of motion in the affected hip.
- Tenderness to touch over the front or side of the hip.
- Muscle weakness in the affected hip.
- A feeling of instability in the affected hip
So these are the various symptoms that are associated with Snapping Hip Syndrome.
What Causes Snapping Hip Syndrome?
There are several possible causes of Snapping Hip Syndrome. These include:
1. Inflammation or irritation of the iliotibial band: This is the band of tissue that runs from the hip to the knee. When this band becomes inflamed or irritated, it can snap over the hip bone, causing pain.
2. Impingement of the hip joint: This occurs when the bones in the hip joint rub together, causing pain and inflammation.
3. Tendonitis: This is the inflammation of the tendons that attach the muscles to the bone. When these tendons become inflamed, they can rub against the hip joint, causing pain.
4. Bursitis. This is the inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion the hip joint. When these sacs become inflamed, they can rub against the hip joint, causing pain.
5. Muscle imbalance: This occurs when the muscles around the hip joint are not in alignment. This can cause the joint to rub against itself, leading to pain and inflammation.
What Are the Complications of Snapping Hip Syndrome?
If left untreated, snapping hip syndrome can lead to:
- Cartilage damage: This can occur if the snapping is due to a tear in the cartilage.
- Arthritis: This is a common complication of snapping hip syndrome.
- Joint instability: This can occur if the ligaments around the hip are damaged.
- Muscle weakness: This can occur if the muscles around the hip are weak or tight.
- Limited range of motion: This can occur if the muscles and/or joints around the hip are tight or damaged.
Risk Factors
There are several risk factors that can increase your chances of developing snapping hip syndrome, including:
Age: The condition is more common in young adults and adolescents.
Gender: Females are more likely to develop snapping hip syndrome than males.
Obesity: This can put extra pressure on the hips and lead to snapping hip syndrome.
Pregnancy: This can lead to changes in the body that increase the risk of snapping hip syndrome.
Activities that involve repetitive motions: These can put extra stress on the hips and lead to snapping hip syndrome.
Joint problems: Conditions such as hip dysplasia or osteoarthritis can increase the risk of snapping hip syndrome.
Connective tissue disorders: These can cause the muscles and/or joints to be weaker and more prone to injury.
Previous injury: This can lead to scar tissue that can cause the muscles and/or joints to be tighter and more prone to snapping hip syndrome.
So these are risk factors for developing snapping hip syndrome.
How To Diagnose It?
There are various methods to diagnose it. They are as follows:
Imaging tests
An X-ray, MRI, or CT scan can help show whether there is any damage to the hip joint or surrounding structures. For instance, an X-ray can show arthritis or a fracture. An MRI or CT scan can show a tear in the labrum (a structure that cushions the hip joint) or other soft tissue problems.
Physical examination
Your doctor will check for areas of tenderness and decreased range of motion in your hip. For snapping hip syndrome that occurs on the outside of your hip, your doctor may be able to feel a click or snap when they move your thigh away from your body. For snapping hip syndrome that occurs on the inside of your hip, you may feel a click or snap when you bring your thigh across your body towards the opposite shoulder. An x-ray or other imaging tests are not usually needed to diagnose.
Blood tests
These are generally not necessary but may be done to rule out other conditions. For instance, if your pain is caused by inflammation, your blood may show high levels of certain types of white blood cells.
Joint aspiration
This is a procedure in which fluid is removed from the joint space with a needle and syringe. The fluid will be examined for signs of infection or inflammation. For instance, if the results of the joint aspiration are normal but you still have snapping hip syndrome, your doctor may recommend it.
Arthroscopy
This is a minimally invasive surgical procedure in which a small camera is inserted into the joint space. This can help your doctor visualize any damage to the hip joint. For instance, if arthroscopy reveals a torn labrum, your doctor may recommend it.
Surgery
In some cases, surgery may be needed to repair damage to the hip joint. For instance, if you have a torn labrum, your doctor may recommend surgery to repair it.
Snapping hip syndrome is a condition that causes a snapping sensation or sound in the hip when you move. The snapping may be caused by the movement of tendons or muscles over bony structures in the hip.
How Is Snapping Hip Syndrome Treated?
There are various treatment options:
Physical therapy
A physical therapist can help to improve the range of motion and flexibility as well as strengthen the muscles around the hip. For example, the therapist may use manual therapy techniques, such as massage and stretch, to help relieve the symptoms. They may also recommend exercises to improve the strength and flexibility of the muscles and ligaments around the hip.
Surgery
In some cases, surgery may be necessary to release the tightness in the hip joint or to repair any damaged tissue. For instance, a surgeon may need to perform a tendon release, which involves cutting the tendon that is causing the snapping. If the snapping is caused by damage to the cartilage or other structures within the hip joint, surgery may be needed to repair that damage. After any type of surgery, you will likely need to go through physical therapy to help strengthen the muscles and tissues around the hip joint and help you regain your full range of motion.
Corticosteroid injections
These can help to reduce inflammation and pain. For instance, this study found that corticosteroid injection was an effective treatment for this syndrome. For instance, this study found that corticosteroid injection was an effective treatment. However, there is a risk, of returning after the effects of the injection wear off.
Activity modification
Avoiding activities that exacerbate the symptoms is important. For example, if running is causing pain, swimming may be a better option. For instance, if the iliopsoas tendon is involved, yoga poses that involve flexing at the hip may need to be avoided.
Pain relief
Over-the-counter or prescription medications can help to manage pain. For instance, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, can be effective in reducing pain and inflammation.
Ice and heat
Applying ice or heat to the affected area can help to reduce pain and inflammation. For example, you could try placing an ice pack on the area for 20 minutes, then removing it for 20 minutes. If you have snapping hip syndrome, there are several things you can do to treat it and reduce your pain. First, you can try icing or heating the affected area. This can help to reduce inflammation and pain.
If you are suffering from this pain then must consult a doctor and get proper treatment.
Conclusion
It may be concluded that snapping hip syndrome is a condition that can be painful and debilitating. However, with the proper treatment, it is possible to manage the symptoms and improve the quality of life. If you think you may have the snap hip syndrome, be sure to talk to your doctor so that you can get an accurate diagnosis and begin treatment as soon as possible.
Physical Therapy help patients recover from pain. If you’re experiencing Back pain, Shoulder pain, Knee pain, Neck pain, Elbow pain, Hip pain, or Arthritis pain, a physical therapist at MantraCare can help: Book a physiotherapy session.
