Snapping hip syndrome is a condition that commonly affects athletes and dancers between the ages of 15 and 40, particularly those involved in track and field, cycling, soccer, gymnastics, horseback riding, and dance, but can also occur during everyday activities that require repeated forceful movement of the legs.
The condition is typically caused when a tendon or muscle slides over a protruding bone in the hip, creating tension, and then releases with a snapping or popping sensation. It may also result from a cartilage tear or an anatomical problem that prevents the hip joint from working smoothly.
Individuals with snapping hip syndrome often experience one or more of these symptoms:
- Snapping or popping when running or climbing stairs
- Sensation that the hip is about to pop out of its socket
- Weakness in the leg when lifting it forward or sideways
- Pain in the groin area
- Pain or tenderness at the outside of the hip
- Discomfort or pain that worsens with activity
A hip specialist at Lancaster Orthopedic Group can evaluate you to determine if you have snapping hip syndrome and help develop a treatment plan to alleviate pain and minimize possible damage to the hip joint.
Conservative treatments include rest, ice, modification of activities, and anti-inflammatory medications. A persistently painful snapping hip may require physical therapy, corticosteroid injections or surgery.