Snapping hip syndrome, also known as coxa saltans, is a type of condition that creates a snapping or popping feeling in your hip.
It usually occurs when you make certain movements such as raising, lowering or swinging your leg.
The condition makes it difficult to do certain activities that most people take for granted. It’s important to recognize five signs that you may have snapping hip syndrome.
What is Snapping Hip Syndrome?
Snapping hip syndrome is a condition that affects your hip. It involves a rolling movement of the ligament, muscle, or tendon over the bony area of the hip and can result in pain or no pain at all. Different areas of the hip can also be involved:
- Front: When the front of the hip is affected, the hip flexor muscle can roll over the front of the hip bone or the ligaments can rollover the hip’s tissue joint or thigh bone.
- Side: When the side of the hip is affected, the iliotibial band or ITB rolls over the outer thigh bone, or the gluteus maximus muscle of the buttock can slide over the outer thigh bone.
- Back: When the back of the hip is affected, you often have one of the hamstring muscles rolling over the bottom of your hip bone.
Usually, snapping hip syndrome develops when the hip muscles are used excessively and end up becoming too tight, swollen, or fatigued.
Often, athletes or dancers can be affected by the condition as a result of their constant movements.
Activities such as weightlifting, horseback riding, gymnastics, soccer, and dancing can lead to the condition developing.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Snapping Hip Syndrome?
One of the key characteristics of snapping hip syndrome is a noticeably cracking hip joint
In most cases, the condition doesn’t cause any pain, but you may feel an odd popping or clicking sensation whenever you flex your hip joint.
You can experience other signs and symptoms as well, including the following:
- Pain: You can experience pain in your hip and surrounding areas.
- Inflammation: Often, inflammation of the hip joint occurs.
- Muscle Weakness: You may experience muscle weakness in your legs with snapping hip syndrome, especially while trying to lift your leg or shift it forward or sideways.
- Swelling: Swelling of the hip joint is common with the condition.
- Popping Sensation: You may have the sensation that your hip is coming out of place from its joint.
- Difficulty Moving: The condition can make certain movements or performing basic physical activities difficult, like walking or rising from a chair. It may take some effort to perform these kinds of movements.
How is the Condition Diagnosed?
If you believe you have snapping hip syndrome, the first step is to see your doctor. Your doctor will have to determine the cause of your condition before you can be treated to ensure that you get the proper treatment. You will have a physical examination and the doctor will evaluate your medical history and symptoms.
You may also need an X-ray of your hip area or an MRI to determine that you aren’t experiencing another type of condition that affects your hip.
If you have snapping hip syndrome, you can manage your symptoms. Be sure to speak with your doctor if you have signs of the condition.