Snapping hip syndrome

Cause

The First type of Snapping Hip Syndrome is Referred to as ‘Internal-Snapping Hip’ and occurs nearer the midline of the body than the second type. This condition is caused by the Iliopsoas muscle rubbing over bony structures that are located under (or deep) to it. Move specifically the symptoms of this internally caused Snapping Hip are caused by an abrupt movement or the Iliopsoas tendon which snaps over underlying bony prominences like the anterior aspect of the Femoral Head or the Iliopectineal Eminence (Pelvis.) 

2) The second of the two most common types of Snapping Hip is referred to as External Snapping Hip. This occurs on the lateral aspect of the hip joint and is caused by the Iliotibial IT) Band (or fibers from the Glute Max Muscle) moving over the Greater Trochanter (most lateral portion of the Femur located in the hip area.)

3) The third type or cause of Snapping Hip is referred to as ‘Intra-Articular’ and originates from changes in the structure of the Hip joint. This type of Snapping Hip might be caused by A) a tear of the Hip Labrum (cartilage that deepens the hip socket), B) defects in the articular cartilage or C) fragments of fractured bone or soft tissue which get trapped between the surfaces of the Ball-and-Socket joint of the Hip . When the cause is Intra-Articular (deep inside the hip joint itself) rather than a ‘Spanning’ or a ‘popping’ sound or sensation the symptoms are more commonly described as ‘Catching’, ‘locking’, or a deep/ sharp stabbing sensation.

Effects

Snapping Hip Snapping most of the time isn’t painful, however the snap, pop or click can be very irritating. Hip Syndrome may be closely related to other conditions in, or originating, in the Hip joint that may be accompanied by debilitating pain (Iliotibial Band (IT Band) Syndrome or perhaps Labral cartilage tear.) Left unaddressed the origins of this condition (Snapping Hip) may progress and require a more involved treatment protocol to treat. 

Since this is more commonly found in dancers it will easily effect dancers performance causing pain and weakness to their movements. Pain will occur with even simple movements like; walking, running,  getting up from a chair, and any movement in your legs. Just an over all to effect to daily performances as well as things you love to do to stay active. 

Treatment

We do not want any individual to discontinue the activity they have chosen to engage in. The soft tissue manual therapy that we specialize in at Structura Body Therapies is very effective in addressing the factors which contribute to the origins of Snapping Hip which include:  Excessive (anterior) Pelvic Tilt, Hip Adduction (knock knee) or excessive rotation through the Hip. We also will work to improve overall posture and spine/pelvis/ hip mechanics.

In addition to addressing the mechanical (bony) deficiencies that cause or contribute to this condition through our soft tissue manipulation; at Structura Body Therapies we will target the tissues, in and around which inflammation will be created, including the Iliopsoas (deep Hip flexors), the muscles of rotation located deep within the posterior hip and those tissues included in the Iliotibial Band complex.