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. 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.
- When 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 is happening in your hip joint. That is why it is important to get an accurate diagnosis from your doctor before starting treatment.
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
Wear a Compression Support
When tendons and muscles move over knobs or protrusions on the portions of the hip bones, snapping hip syndrome occurs. 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 and help to 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 just one of the ways you might continuously treat hip dysfunction. Keeping your joints, specifically your hip joints, healthy can help to 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. It may seem strange to sit still and straighten 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 end up feeling discomfort as a result of them, and then change the motions to decrease any pain.
Go to Physical Therapy
A physical therapist is a perfect substitute for someone who might suffer 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 osteoarthritis of the hip.
Consider Chiropractic Treatment
An expert chiropractor can advise on taking care of symptoms of snapping hip syndrome 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 no guarantee that they will 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 is called a corticosteroid, providing serious pain relief and reducing 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 rely 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.
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.