What Causes A Snapping Hip?

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.

What Are The Symptoms of A Snapping 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.

What Are The Treatment Options For A Snapping Hip?

Initial treatment typically involves rest and activity modification. Depending on the underlying cause, your doctor may recommend additional conservative or surgical treatment options.

Non-Surgical Treatment

• Physical Therapy: Exercises to stretch and strengthen the muscles around the hip. Working with a physical therapist may also be helpful.
• Iliotibial Band Stretch:
  • Stand next to a wall for support.
  • Cross the leg closest to the wall behind your other leg.
  • Lean your hip toward the wall until you feel a stretch on the outside of your hip. Hold for 30 seconds.
  • Repeat on the opposite side, performing 2–3 sets of 4 repetitions each.
• Piriformis Stretch:
  • Lie on your back with knees bent 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 a stretch in your hip and buttocks. Hold for 30 seconds.
  • Repeat on the opposite side, performing 2–3 sets of 4 repetitions each.
• Corticosteroid Injection: If bursitis develops, a corticosteroid injection may be recommended to reduce painful inflammation in the hip joint.

Surgical Treatment

• Hip Arthroscopy: A minimally invasive procedure where a small camera (arthroscope) and surgical instruments are inserted into the hip joint through small incisions to address issues like a torn labrum.
• Open Procedure: In more complex cases, a traditional open surgical approach may be necessary. This involves a larger incision to provide better visibility and access to address the cause of the snapping hip.