Snapping Hip Syndrome is a common condition that causes a snapping, clicking, or popping sensation in the hip during movement. While some cases are painless, others can lead to discomfort, inflammation, reduced mobility, and difficulty participating in sports or daily activities. Dr. Geoffrey Van Thiel provides expert diagnosis and treatment for snapping hip syndrome for patients throughout Rockford, Elgin, Crystal Lake, Barrington, McHenry, Huntley, DeKalb, and Beloit.
As a nationally recognized hip preservation and hip arthroscopy specialist, Dr. Van Thiel utilizes advanced diagnostic techniques to identify the underlying cause of hip snapping and develop personalized treatment plans. Whether symptoms can be managed through physical therapy and conservative care or require minimally invasive hip arthroscopy, his goal is to restore comfort, mobility, and long-term hip function.
Guidance on the Treatment for Snapping Hip
Snapping hip is a condition in which you feel a snapping sensation or hear a popping sound in your hip when you walk, get up from a chair, or swing your leg around.
The snapping sensation occurs when a muscle or tendon (the strong tissue that connects muscle to bone) moves over a bony protrusion in your hip.
Although snapping hip is usually painless and 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.
Learn more about snapping hip below and contact the office of Dr. Van Thiel to schedule an appointment.
Anatomy
The hip is a ball-and-socket joint formed where the rounded end of the thighbone (femur) fits into a cup-shaped socket (acetabulum) in the pelvis. The acetabulum is ringed by strong fibrocartilage called the labrum that creates a tight seal and helps to provide stability to the joint.
Encasing the hip are ligaments that surround the joint and hold it together. Over the ligaments are tendons that attach muscles in the buttocks, thighs, and pelvis to the bones. These muscles control hip movement.
Fluid-filled sacs called bursae are located in strategic spots around the hip to provide cushioning and help the muscles move smoothly over the bone.
Description
Snapping hip can occur in different areas of the hip where tendons and muscles slide over knobs in the hip bones.
- Outside of the hip. The most common site of snapping hip is at the outer side where the iliotibial band passes over the portion of the thighbone known as the greater trochanter.
- When the hip is straight, the iliotibial band is behind the trochanter. When the hip bends, the band moves over the trochanter so that it is in front of it. The iliotibial band is always tight, like a stretched rubber band. Because the trochanter juts out slightly, the movement of the band across it creates the snap you hear.
- Eventually, snapping hip may lead to hip bursitis. Bursitis is thickening and inflammation of the bursa, a fluid-filled sac that allows the muscle to move smoothly over bone.
The Cause of Snapping Hip
Front of the hip. Another tendon that could cause a snapping hip runs from the front of the thigh up to the pelvis called the iliopsoas tendon. Snapping of this tendon is felt and heard in the front of the hip. As you bend the hip, the tendon shifts across the head of the thighbone, and when you straighten the hip, the tendon moves back to the side of the thighbone. This back-and-forth motion across the head of the thighbone causes the snapping.
- Back of the hip. Snapping in the back of the hip can involve the hamstring tendon. This tendon attaches to the sitting bone, called the ischial tuberosity. When it moves across the ischial tuberosity, the tendon may catch, causing a snapping sensation in the buttock region.
- Cartilage problems. The labrum that lines the socket of the hip can tear and cause a snapping sensation. Damaged cartilage can loosen and float in the joint causing the hip to catch or “lock up.” This type of snapping hip usually causes pain and may be disabling.
- Snapping or catching in the hip can also be caused by tears in the labrum or damage to the cartilage that covers the bones of the joint.
Cause
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.
Home Remedies
Most people do not see a doctor for snapping hip unless they experience some pain. If the snapping hip bothers you — but not to the point of seeing a doctor — try the following conservative home treatment options:
- Reduce your activity levels and apply ice to the affected area.
- Use nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, to reduce discomfort.
- Modify your sport or exercise activities to avoid repetitive movement of the hip. For example, reduce time spent on a bicycle, and swim using your arms only.
Doctor Examination
Medical History and Physical Examination
your physician will first determine the exact cause of the snapping by discussing you medical history and symptoms, and conducting a physical examination. He may ask you where it hurts, what kinds of activities bring on the snapping, whether you can demonstrate the snapping, or whether you have experienced any injury to the hip area.
You may also be asked to stand and move your hip in various directions to reproduce the snapping. Your physician may even be able to feel the tendon moving as you bend or extend your hip.
Imaging Tests
X-rays create clear pictures of dense structures, like bone. Although x-rays of people with snapping hip do not typically show anything abnormal, x-rays will be ordered along with other tests to rule out any problems with the bones or joint.
Snapping Hip Treatment
Initial treatment typically involves a period of rest and modification of activities. Depending upon the cause of your snapping hip, your physician may also recommend other conservative treatment options.
Physical Therapy
Exercises to stretch and strengthen the musculature surrounding the hip. Guidance from a physical therapist may also be recommended.
Iliotibial band stretch
- Iliotibial band stretch
- Stand next to a wall for support
- Cross the leg that is closest to the wall behind your other leg.
- Lean your hip toward the wall until you feel a stretch at the outside of your hip. Hold the stretch for 30 seconds.
- Repeat on the opposite side.
- Perform 2 to 3 sets of 4 repetitions each side.
- Piriformis stretch
- Lie on your back with bent knees and feet flat on the floor.
- Cross the foot of the affected hip over the opposite knee and clasp your hands behind your thigh.
- Pull your thigh toward you until you feel the stretch in your hip and buttocks. Hold the stretch for 30 seconds.
- Repeat on the opposite side.
- Perform 2 to 3 sets of 4 repetitions each side.
Corticosteroid Injection
If you have hip bursitis, your physician may recommend an injection of a corticosteroid into the bursa to reduce painful inflammation.
Surgical Treatment
In the rare instances that snapping hip does not respond to conservative treatment, your physician may recommend surgery. The type of surgery will depend on the cause of the snapping hip.
- Hip arthroscopy. During hip arthroscopy, a small camera, called an arthroscope, is inserted into your hip joint. The camera displays pictures on a television screen and these images guide miniature surgical instruments.
- Because the arthroscope and surgical instruments are thin, very small incisions (cuts) are used, rather than the larger incision needed for standard, open surgery.
Why Choose Dr. Geoffrey Van Thiel for Snapping Hip Syndrome Treatment in Rockford, Elgin & Northern Illinois?
- Nationally recognized hip arthroscopy and hip preservation specialist
- Fellowship-trained orthopedic sports medicine surgeon
- Extensive experience treating complex hip conditions
- Advanced minimally invasive hip surgery techniques
- Comprehensive non-surgical treatment options
- Personalized rehabilitation and recovery plans
- Dedicated to helping patients return to active lifestyles
Snapping Hip Syndrome FAQs
What is snapping hip syndrome?
Snapping hip syndrome is a condition in which a tendon, muscle, or other soft tissue structure moves over a bony prominence in the hip, creating a snapping or popping sensation.
What are the symptoms of snapping hip syndrome?
Symptoms may include snapping, clicking, or popping sensations in the hip, pain during activity, stiffness, and reduced hip mobility.
What causes snapping hip syndrome?
The condition is commonly caused by tight tendons, muscle imbalances, overuse injuries, inflammation, or underlying hip abnormalities such as labral tears.
Can snapping hip syndrome be treated without surgery?
Yes. Many patients improve with physical therapy, stretching, activity modification, anti-inflammatory medications, and targeted rehabilitation exercises.
Schedule a Hip Evaluation in Rockford, Elgin & Surrounding Communities
If hip snapping, clicking, or discomfort is interfering with your activities, early evaluation can help identify the cause and prevent worsening symptoms. Dr. Geoffrey Van Thiel provides comprehensive care for snapping hip syndrome throughout Rockford, Elgin, Crystal Lake, Barrington, McHenry, Huntley, DeKalb, and Beloit.
Contact our office today to schedule a consultation and learn about personalized treatment options for lasting hip pain relief and improved mobility.
