Snapping hip syndrome, also known as coxa saltans, is a condition where the person will feel or hear a snapping or clicking sound in their hip as they walk. It's typically considered an overuse condition that affects both genders but has a slightly higher incidence in women.
Causes of Snapping Hip Syndrome
Snapping hip syndrome is caused by a tendon or muscle snapping over a bony prominence in your hip. The most common cause is tightness in the iliopsoas tendon, which is a muscle that runs from your lower back to your thigh bone. Snapping hip syndrome can also be caused by:
- A tight rectus femoris tendon, which is a muscle that runs from the front of your thigh bone to your kneecap
- A loose piece of cartilage in the hip joint
- A tear in the labrum, which is a ring of cartilage that lines the hip joint
Symptoms of Snapping hip syndrome
The main symptom of snapping hip syndrome is a snapping sensation or popping sound in your hip when you move your leg. You may also feel pain in your hip, especially when you perform certain activities, such as running, climbing stairs, or squatting.
It is important to note that snapping hip syndrome does not always cause pain. Sometimes, you may only experience the snapping sensation or popping sound.
Here are some other symptoms of snapping hip syndrome:
- Pain in the groin, buttocks, or thigh
- Difficulty moving your hip joint
- A feeling of instability in your hip
- A feeling of catching or locking in your hip
Guide to Snapping Hip Syndrome Treatment
If you're dealing with snapping hip syndrome, You can start treatment (after proper diagnosis) with these simple remedies, most of which you can do at home!
Targeting Treatment
Before treating snapping hip syndrome, you need to identify the source of the problem. There are three common causes of the snapping sound:
- When the iliotibial band (ITB) moves over the greater trochanter.
- The iliopsoas tendon, part of the hip flexors, catches a bony prominence on the pelvis.
- A hip labral tear.
You can read this to understand how snapping hip syndrome happens and what happens in your hip joint. That is why getting an accurate diagnosis from your doctor before starting treatment is important.
Try Using a Cold Compress
One of the first at-home conservative treatments for snapping hip syndrome is applying a cold compress or a Cold therapy pack to the affected area. When cold is applied to soft tissues, it numbs pain by interfering with the pain-signaling signals. The cold also constricts or narrows blood vessels, decreasing swelling.
- Take a Cold therapy pack and place it on the area around your hip joint
- Leave it on for 20-minute intervals
- Avoid sleeping with a cold pack on your skin
SACKSY THYME Cold Therapy Pack for Snapping Hip Syndrome Treatment:
The Cold Therapy Pack from SACKSY THYME is an innovative solution that helps reduce the pain and discomfort associated with Snapping Hip Syndrome. The pack is made of high-quality materials that are designed to provide long-lasting, effective cold therapy. The pack is easy to use and can be used at home or on-the-go. Simply place the pack in the freezer for a few hours, and then apply it to the affected area for 20 to 30 minutes. The cold therapy helps reduce inflammation, which in turn, reduces pain and discomfort.
Wear a Compression Support
Snapping hip syndrome occurs when tendons and muscles move over knobs or protrusions on the portions of the hip bones. Applying a rigid brace that blankets the front and back of the hip can help to address this condition.
The brace will suppress pain and cold, help warm the joints, encourage blood flow, and support your hip joint. This brace will facilitate injury healing and help you feel more comfortable as you do it. Please search for a groin brace designed by a board to provide lightweight support to your body while recovering.
Get Appropriate Rest
Snapping hip syndrome can trigger a condition called bursitis. It is when the bursa, a fluid-filled sac in the hip joint, is inflamed. If the snapping sensation hurts or continues to bother one, don't engage in the actions that created the snapping sound. Resting will allow your body time to heal and give the fluid in the sac a chance to diminish in quantity.
Work on Posture & Body Alignment
Correct body alignment is one of the ways you might continuously treat hip dysfunction. Keeping your joints, specifically your hip joints, can help prevent joint disorders.
Sitting & Standing
Pacing your body while sitting and standing can significantly affect your physical and mental health. To alleviate pressure on the spine, neck, and hips, sit up and stand straight with your shoulders back and your neck upright. Sitting still may seem strange and straightening your posture, but soon, your body will adjust to the new position, and you'll be much happier.
Sleeping
To assist with the management of symptoms linked to snapping hip syndrome when you sleep, use a pillow to push your hips into alignment. If you sleep on your back, place the pillow beneath your knees. You can also become a side sleeper and put the pillow between your knees. We do not suggest resting on your back since this position can cause your stamina to dip forward and cause your back to strain.
During Movement & Activity
Be mindful of how you move as you stroll around. Pay special attention to how you bend over to prevent strain on your hips. Alter your pool exercises so that less weight is put upon your joints. Discontinue certain movements if you feel discomfort due to them, and then change the motions to decrease any pain.
Go to Physical Therapy
A physical therapist is a perfect substitute for someone suffering from snapping hip syndrome, as therapy can help restore muscle strength. He will evaluate the condition to identify the therapy that will be most effective at treating it.
Predominantly, it will entail stretching and strengthening hip muscles, hamstrings, and gluteus maximus. Pain has subsided, and the therapist may also educate you regarding physical activities to prevent developing hip osteoarthritis.
Consider Chiropractic Treatment
An expert chiropractor can advise on taking care of snapping hip syndrome symptoms by correcting posture issues, using specific stretching exercises to strengthen the hip and surrounding muscles, and employing shoe supports or insoles. When the vertebrae are misaligned, the chiropractor may perform a realignment.
Take Pain Relievers
Over-the-counter pain relievers like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can alleviate swelling and hip pain. Taking these products is not guaranteed to cure your snapping hip syndrome, but they will make it easier to perform exercises or stretches suggested by your physical therapist. Before taking a new drug, ask your doctor or pharmacist for directions.
Learn About Cortisone Injections
Cortisone injections offer powerful steroid medicine injected directly into the painful area. This medication, called a corticosteroid, relieves serious pain and reduces swelling. Patients vary in the effectiveness of the treatment, and some may experience it only for a short period; others may experience improvement in their symptoms for a prolonged period. Talk with your doctor to determine whether you might be a candidate for corticosteroids.
How Long Can It Take to Go Away?
The time it takes for snapping hip syndrome to go away will depend on its cause and your treatment choices. For most patients, conservative treatments are successful, and in time, the stretching, exercise, and anti-inflammatory drugs will eliminate the snapping sound. However, if you decide you need surgery, the recovery time is dependent upon the kind of surgical operation you have.
Preventing snapping hip syndrome
There are a number of things you can do to prevent snapping hip syndrome, such as:
- Stretching regularly. Stretching the muscles in your hips and thighs can help to improve flexibility and reduce your risk of injury.
- Strengthening your hip muscles. Strengthening the muscles around your hip can help to support the hip joint and reduce your risk of injury.
- Maintaining a healthy weight. Excess weight puts additional stress on your hip joints, so maintaining a healthy weight can help to reduce your risk of injury.
- Avoiding activities that aggravate your hip pain. If you experience hip pain, avoid activities that make it worse.
Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns about snapping hip syndrome.
Managing Snapping Hip Syndrome
Snapping hips syndrome, also known as dancer's hip, is a symptom caused by an additional hip condition. It is typically caused by a tendon or ligament getting caught on a bony prominence. This symptom does not persist for many individuals and will eventually go away on its own.
Others may require treatments like a Steroid injection, physical therapy, or surgical treatment. With your doctor, take a few minutes to determine the best treatment option for you.