Snap, click, pop! Do your hips make those noises when you get out of a chair, walk down the stairs, or do yoga?
Snapping hip is a common condition in which you feel a snapping sensation or hear a popping sound in or around the hip.
So why do our hips make all these sorts of noises as we move?
The sound and sensation can be caused by external or internal structures of the hip. When the cause is external, 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.
The good news is that your hip is not actually snapping. The bad news is although the snapping hip is usually painless and harmless, but the sensation can be uncomfortable and annoying. If left untreated, snapping hip may lead to hip bursitis which is the thickening and inflammation of the bursa, a fluid-filled sac that allows the muscle to move smoothly over bone.
Who normally get snapping hip syndrome?
People involved in sports or activities that require repeated bending at the hips are most likely to experience snapping hip syndrome. It’s most commonly identified in sprinters, dancers, and gymnasts. Young athletes also have a greater risk of developing this condition. This is due to the tightness in muscles that occurs during adolescent growth spurts.
What can you do if you have snapping hip syndrome?
If you experience snapping hip syndrome, let your chiropractor and physiotherapist know. A thorough consultation and assessment will help determine if your hip sounds are caused by tight muscles and tendons or by something deeper. If the cause is internal, further assessment may be advised. When the cause is tightness in structures surrounding the hip, stretching, foam rolling, and modifying activity can help.
Pelvis and hip alignment with chiropractic adjustments are key to prevent recurrence. A deep tissue massage can also help make a more lasting change in the tissues. Correcting the way weight is transferred up and down the leg may be necessary with custom foot orthotics. Your chiropractor and physiotherapist can recommend specific self-care tips and lifestyle modifications to help you keep your hips from developing painful snapping.