Snapping Hip Syndrome is a condition where an affected individual hears or feels a snapping type sensation, when walking, running or for example, rising from a chair.
Although snapping hip is usually painless and harmless, the sensation can be irritating. In some cases, snapping hip leads to bursitis, a painful swelling of the fluid-filled sacs that cushion the hip joint.
The most common reason for this snapping type sensation is when a band of connective tissue or muscle, flicks over a bony protrusion in the hip joint.
This “snapping” usually occurs either at the front of the hip, where the powerful hip flexor, the iliopsoas can catch on a bony prominence or on the outside of the hip where the iliotibial band (ITB) can catch on the greater trochanter.
These conditions can often be managed conservatively with a rehabilitation programme. This should focus on restoring normal hip joint mechanics and function via strength and control exercises for both the hip flexor and gluteal muscle groups.
Re-education of optimal movement patterns when performing daily activities can also significantly help.
| For further information on snapping hip please contact infossc@upmc.ie |
