Snapping hip syndrome, also known as coxa saltans or dancer's hip, is a condition where a person experiences a snapping sensation or sound in the hip when walking, getting up from a chair, or swinging the leg around. This sensation is typically painless and harmless, but it can be uncomfortable and annoying. In some cases, it can lead to pain or discomfort. The condition is more common in athletes, dancers, and people who engage in activities involving repetitive hip movements.

Causes

Snapping hip syndrome can be caused by several factors:

Iliotibial Band (IT Band) Snap: (External Snapping Hip) This occurs when the iliotibial band, a thick band of tissue that runs from the outside of the pelvis to the knee, snaps over the greater trochanter of the femur (the outer part of the thigh bone).

Hip Flexor Snap: (Internal Snapping Hip) This happens when the iliopsoas tendon, a primary hip flexor, snaps over a bony protrusion in the pelvis or the femur.

Cartilage or Labral Tear: Cartilage damage or a tear in the acetabular labrum (the cartilage surrounding the hip socket) can also cause snapping sensations.

Loose Bodies: Small pieces of bone or cartilage that become loose and move around in the joint can lead to snapping.

Symptoms

1.     Audible snapping or popping noise in the hip.

2.     Sensation of snapping when moving the hip, especially in certain directions.

3.     Pain or discomfort, which can vary in intensity.

4.     Feeling of the hip being unsteady or giving way (less common).

Treatment

Treatment for snapping hip syndrome often starts with conservative approaches:

·      Rest and Activity Modification: Avoiding activities that cause symptoms.

·      Physical Therapy: Exercises to strengthen and stretch the muscles around the hip.

·      Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Medications to reduce pain and inflammation.

·      Corticosteroid Injections: Injections to reduce inflammation in severe cases.

·      Surgery is rarely needed and is typically considered only when conservative treatments fail and the symptoms are severe.

Prevention

Preventative measures include regular stretching, strengthening exercises for hip and core muscles, and avoiding repetitive motions that could irritate the hip.

 

In cases of snapping hip syndrome, the focus on muscle strengthening usually revolves around the muscles that support and stabilize the hip joint. These include:

Gluteal Muscles: Strengthening the gluteus medius and gluteus maximus can help stabilize the hip joint. Exercises like squats, lunges, and hip bridges are effective for targeting these muscles.

Hip Flexors: These muscles, particularly the iliopsoas, help in hip flexion. Strengthening exercises can include leg lifts and gentle resistance training.

Core Muscles: A strong core, which includes the muscles of the abdomen, lower back, and pelvis, is crucial for stabilizing the entire lower body. Planks, abdominal crunches, and Pilates exercises can be very beneficial.

Adductor Muscles: Located on the inner thigh, these muscles help in hip stabilization. Exercises like side leg lifts and adductor machine exercises can strengthen these muscles.

Abductor Muscles: These muscles, located on the outer thigh, are important for moving the leg away from the body and stabilizing the hip. Side leg raises and using an abduction machine are helpful exercises.

Hamstrings and Quadriceps: These muscles support the overall movement and stability of the hip joint. Exercises include leg curls for hamstrings and leg extensions for quadriceps.

Often times when assessing snapping hip syndrome, we find trigger points in the gluteal or thigh musculature which are causing tightness, weakness and muscle imbalances around the hip on the affected and even unaffected side.  Therefore, it’s important to approach strengthening exercises with balance and to focus on both sides of the body to prevent further imbalance. Active trigger points need to be addressed before strengthening can be optimized.  Additionally, stretching and flexibility exercises are also crucial in managing snapping hip syndrome, as tight muscles can exacerbate the condition.

Before starting any exercise regimen, especially for a condition like snapping hip syndrome, it's advisable to consult with a physical therapist or healthcare provider. They can provide a tailored exercise program that suits your individual needs and ensures that you're performing exercises correctly and safely.  If you would like to have your hip evaluated by one of our licensed Physical Therapists, please schedule your consult today.