If you’ve ever heard or felt a popping or snapping sensation in your hip during movement, you may be dealing with Snapping Hip Syndrome. Also known as coxa saltans, this condition often begins as hip tendonitis and can progress into a more painful and persistent issue, especially in athletes, dancers, runners, and other active individuals.
At Ortho Sport & Spine Physicians, we specialize in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal conditions like Snapping Hip Syndrome with a focus on getting you back to pain-free movement.
What Is Snapping Hip Syndrome?
Snapping Hip Syndrome refers to a snapping or clicking sound or sensation that occurs when tendons or muscles move over bony structures in the hip. This can be harmless at first, but over time, repeated irritation can lead to inflammation, pain, and limited mobility.
There are three main types of snapping hip:
- External snapping: Usually caused by the iliotibial (IT) band or gluteus maximus tendon moving over the greater trochanter of the femur.
- Internal snapping: Often due to the iliopsoas tendon moving over the pelvic bone.
- Intra-articular snapping: Caused by a mechanical issue inside the joint, such as a labral tear or loose cartilage.
What begins as tendonitis, inflammation of a tendon, can gradually turn into snapping hip syndrome when untreated, especially in individuals who regularly engage in repetitive hip flexion or rotational movements.
Who Is at Risk?
Snapping Hip Syndrome most commonly affects:
- Dancers
- Track and field athletes
- Runners
- Soccer and football players
- Fitness enthusiasts or gymnasts
High-intensity activities that involve repetitive hip motion increase the risk, especially when paired with tight hip muscles or poor biomechanics.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
The good news is that most cases of snapping hip syndrome respond well to conservative care. At Ortho Sport & Spine Physicians, we develop personalized, non-invasive treatment plans that may include:
- Physical therapy: Stretching and strengthening exercises to improve flexibility and correct movement patterns.
- Rest and activity modification: Temporarily avoiding activities that aggravate symptoms.
- Anti-inflammatory medications: To reduce swelling and pain.
- Corticosteroid injections: In cases of persistent inflammation, targeted injections can offer longer-lasting relief.
- OrthoBiologics: Regenerative therapy may help heal damaged tendons and reduce inflammation in certain cases.
A thorough evaluation is key to determining the exact source of snapping and tailoring treatment to your condition.
When Surgery Is Needed
If non-surgical options do not relieve symptoms or if intra-articular causes like labral tears are involved, arthroscopic surgery may be recommended. This minimally invasive approach allows our specialists to:
- Remove or repair damaged tissue
- Release tight tendons
- Correct joint abnormalities
Arthroscopic procedures typically offer faster recovery and less post-operative discomfort than open surgery, allowing you to return to your sport or daily life with improved function and reduced pain.
Don’t Ignore That Snap
Snapping Hip Syndrome isn’t just a nuisance — it can lead to chronic pain and long-term joint damage if not properly treated. If you’re experiencing hip snapping, tightness, or pain, contact Ortho Sport & Spine Physicians today for a comprehensive evaluation and expert care tailored to your needs.
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