Snapping Hip Syndrome (SHS) is a common condition that can cause discomfort and disrupt daily activities. This blog aims to answer frequently asked questions about snapping hip syndrome, offering insights into its causes, treatment options, and prevention.
What is Snapping Hip Syndrome?
Snapping Hip Syndrome, often called "snapping hip," refers to a condition where a snapping or popping sound is heard or felt around the hip joint. This snapping sensation may occur when walking, standing up, or swinging the leg. It can involve soft tissues, such as tendons or muscles, sliding over bony structures in the hip area. There are two primary types of snapping hip:
External snapping hip: Occurs when the iliotibial band or gluteus maximus tendon slides over the greater trochanter (the bony prominence on the side of the hip).
Internal snapping hip: Involves the iliopsoas tendon snapping over the front of the hip joint.
How Do You Fix Snapping Hip Syndrome?
The treatment of snapping hip syndrome depends on its severity and the underlying cause. Common approaches include:
Rest and activity modification: Reducing activities that exacerbate the snapping can alleviate symptoms.
Stretching and strengthening exercises: Physical therapy focused on improving hip flexibility and strengthening the surrounding muscles can be highly effective.
Injections: Corticosteroid injections may help reduce inflammation, while platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections are sometimes used to promote healing.
Surgery: In rare cases, surgical intervention may be required to release tight tendons or repair damaged tissues.
What Happens If Snapping Hip Syndrome is Left Untreated?
While snapping hip syndrome may not always lead to serious complications, leaving it untreated can sometimes result in:
Chronic pain and discomfort, particularly during physical activities.
Progressive inflammation of the tendons or bursae around the hip.
Reduced range of motion and limited ability to perform certain movements.
What Are the Two Most Common Causes of This Snapping Hip?
The two most common causes of snapping hip syndrome are:
Tight tendons or muscles: Tightness in the iliotibial band, iliopsoas tendon, or other hip muscles can result in snapping as they move over bony structures.
Hip bursitis: Inflammation of the bursae, small fluid-filled sacs that cushion the hip joint, can contribute to the snapping sensation.
What Age Do People Get Snapping Hip Syndrome?
Snapping hip syndrome is most commonly seen in:
Young athletes: Adolescents and young adults engaged in activities like dancing, gymnastics, or running are at higher risk due to repetitive hip movements.
Adults: It can also occur in adults, particularly those who experience muscle imbalances or overuse injuries.
Do Injections Work for Snapping Hip Syndrome?
Injections can be beneficial for some patients with snapping hip syndrome. Commonly used injections include:
Corticosteroids: These reduce inflammation and alleviate pain in cases of bursitis or tendonitis.
PRP injections: Platelet-rich plasma can promote healing in chronic tendon injuries.
Consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best injection option for your condition.
How Long Does It Take for a Snapping Hip to Heal?
The recovery time varies depending on the severity of the condition and the treatment approach:
Mild cases: May resolve within a few weeks with rest and physiotherapy.
Chronic cases: Could take several months, especially if advanced treatments or surgery are required.
Should I See a Doctor for Snapping Hip?
It’s advisable to see a doctor if:
The snapping is accompanied by pain or swelling.
Your hip joint feels unstable.
The condition interferes with daily activities or athletic performance.
Early medical intervention can prevent complications and speed up recovery.
Does Foam Rolling Help Snapping Hip?
Foam rolling can be an effective part of managing snapping hip syndrome. It helps:
Relieve tightness in the iliotibial band, gluteal muscles, and hip flexors.
Improve circulation and reduce muscle tension.
However, foam rolling should be used in conjunction with other treatments for best results.
Can Flat Feet Cause Snapping Hip Syndrome?
Flat feet can indirectly contribute to snapping hip syndrome by:
Affecting lower limb alignment and biomechanics.
Causing muscle imbalances that strain the hip joint.
Orthotic insoles or supportive footwear can help address this issue.
How is Snapping Hip Syndrome Diagnosed (Clinical and Radiological)?
The diagnosis of snapping hip syndrome typically involves:
Clinical assessment: A doctor will take a detailed history of your symptoms and perform a physical examination, which may include observing hip movements to identify the snapping sound or sensation. Specific tests, such as the FABER test or iliopsoas snapping test, can help pinpoint the underlying cause.
Radiological imaging: Imaging techniques like X-rays, ultrasound, or MRI may be used to rule out other conditions, such as hip joint abnormalities or bursitis. Ultrasound can also help visualise the snapping tendon in motion, while MRI provides detailed images of soft tissues.
Accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment planning.
Conclusion
Snapping hip syndrome is a manageable condition that responds well to conservative treatments in most cases. If you experience persistent symptoms, consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan. At ACTIVATE Musculoskeletal Clinic, we specialise in treating conditions like snapping hip syndrome, offering expert care to help you regain mobility and live pain-free.
If you are experiencing symptoms of Snapping Hip, get in touch for clinical and ultrasound diagnosis and non-surgical treatment.
About the Author: Dr. Mustafa Alnaib MBChB, MRCS, MSc, FEBOT is an orthopaedic surgeon, musculoskeletal doctor and Clinic Director at ACTIVATE Musculoskeletal Clinic in Kent.
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