Snapping Hip Syndrome
SNAPPING HIP SYNDROME
DESCRIPTION
AKA: Popping Hip
Characterized by snapping of the hip, it can be caused by several reasons. The two most common causes are due to a tendon rubbing across bony areas. The Iliotibial Band (ITB) that travels from the pelvis down the outside of the leg and inserts into the Tibia below the knee can snap over the hip bone (greater trochanter). The second cause is inflammation of the iliopsoas tendon can rub over an area of the pelvis (iliopectineal eminence). Other causes include loose pieces of bone or cartilage within the hip joint.
COMMON SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
- Snapping of the hip, often without pain
- Felt on the outer part of the hip if the ITB is involved
- Felt in the groin or front of the hip if the iliopsoas muscle is involved
CAUSATIVE FACTORS
- Repetitive motion, bending, flexion and extension, may lead to inflammation of the tendon as it passes over the bony area, leading to thickening and scarring of the tendon
- Iliotibial Band inflammation may be caused by a direct blow to the hip, i.e. falling on the hip
- Biomechanical abnormalities of the spine and pelvis, leg length abnormalities and joint laxity all resulting in excessive stresses
- Excessive movement of the foot (hyperpronation) rolling inward that causes the foot to drop or flatten causing the leg to slightly rotate inward causing stress on the hip musculature
TREATMENT CONSIDERATIONS
- Use of ice to control pain and reduce inflammation and swelling
- Stretching of the involved muscle (Iliotibial band or iliopsoas)
- Proper footwear to match foot structure to allow proper movement and support of the foot’s arch*
- If contributing factors are due to hyperpronation (rolling inward) of the feet causing the biomechanical changes then custom made Stabilizing Orthotics should be considered to support the arches of the feet and control excessive movement
