Intermittent snapping or popping noises around the hip can be alarming. Whilst these noises may be annoying for the person affected, they are often harmless. In some cases though, it can lead to hip issues such as weakness or injury.

Keep reading to find out what those hip noises are.

The Hip Joint

The hip is a ball-in-socket joint. The hip joint relies on muscles, ligaments, and soft tissue to strengthen and support it through movement.

The most common cause for noise around the hip is snapping hip.

What Is Snapping Hip?

Snapping hip, sometimes known as dancer’s hip, is characterised by a snapping sound or popping sensation in the hip. It commonly only occurs during movement, including walking, standing up from a chair, or when moving the leg.

Because of the repetitive hip movements required in some sports, snapping hip is often seen in athletes such as dancers. As a result, snapping hip can greatly affect muscle strength and performance.

What Causes Snapping Hip?

Snapping hip is usually caused by a tight muscle or tendon passing over a bony prominence in the hip. This motion creates tension, resulting in a snapping noise when the tendon is released. It occurs in three main areas:

The lateral hip: Snapping hip commonly occurs at the side of the hip, when the iliotibial band (a large band of connective tissue) snaps over the greater trochanter (a bony prominence on the thigh bone).

The front of the hip: Similarly, snapping hip may also occur when the quadriceps or hip flexor tendon passes across a bony prominence at the front of the hip, making a clunking or snapping noise.

Inside the hip joint: In rare instances, snapping hip can be caused by injury or trauma to the tissue inside the hip, such as a labral tear (an important structure in the hip that supports the joint).

Symptoms Of Snapping Hip

Snapping hip is usually painless, however symptoms can include:

• Snapping, clunking, or popping in the hip
• A dull ache or tenderness
• Reduced range of motion
• Weakness
• Tightness or stiffness
• Muscle tension
• Feeling like the joint is stuck or locked
• Difficulty with everyday tasks

Does Snapping Hip Need Treatment?

Most cases of snapping hip are asymptomatic. However, if any symptoms are persistent or cause limitations, it should be addressed by a health professional.

Diagnosis is important before any treatment begins in order to rule out other serious medical conditions. If the problem is ignored, the symptoms could get worse.

Common Treatments For Snapping Hip

A health professional can assess the problem and recommend specific treatments. Common treatments may include:

• Ice or heat packs
• Exercise prescribed by physiotherapists, targeting hip strength and flexibility
• Activity modification, to help avoid repetitive movements that may aggravate the problem
• Pain relief

Snapping Hip

When the problem is diagnosed early and correctly, snapping treatment can improve with the right treatment and help protect long-term outcomes.

Consult your local physiotherapists for professional treatment, and get back on track!