Have you ever experienced a popping or snapping sensation in your hip when walking or shifting your body? You may be experiencing Snapping Hip Syndrome, also known as Dancer’s Hip. While typically harmless, Snapping Hip Syndrome can cause painful swelling of the fluid sacs that cushion joints. Luckily, many patients have success treating Snapping Hip Syndrome with home treatments and physical therapy.

Causes & Symptoms

Snapping Hip Syndrome occurs when a tendon or muscle moves over the knobby bones in one’s hip. The most common symptom that patients experience is a cracking or snapping sound and sensitivity when exercising the hip. (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons)

Typically a result of tightness in the tendons and muscles that surround the hip, Snapping Hip Syndrome is most frequently found in people who participate in activities that involve repeated bending at the hip, such as gymnasts and dancers. (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons)

There are three kinds of Snapping Hip Syndrome:

1. Internal Snapping Hip is a result of muscles and tendons fighting tension in the front of the hip. Internal Snapping Hip patients have been known to witness their hips popping from activity such as moving from a seated to standing position, or extending the hip away from the body. (Sports-health)


2. External Snapping Hip stems from the release of tension on the outside of the hip at the top of the femur. Unlike those who have Internal Snapping Hip, patients who have External Snapping Hip may feel like their hip will pop out of the socket when it snaps.


3. Intra-Articular Snapping Hip, unlike Internal and External Snapping Hip Syndrome, is usually caused by an injury or loose tissue in the hip. Patients living with Intra-Articular Snapping Hip may feel a “catching” sensation and have a more limited range of motion than others with Snapping Hip.

Treatment

Snapping Hip Syndrome can be treated a variety of ways before surgery is necessary. Most of our patients find relief through physical therapy, massage, ultrasounds and steroid injections.(Sports-health)

Surgical Treatment

At MidAmerica Orthopaedics, if our patients do not see lasting results from outpatient procedures, we offer both open and arthroscopic hip procedures, as well as minimally invasive surgery. (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons)

For specialized care, turn to Dr. Adam F. Meisel, our Sports Medicine and Arthroscopy Specialist. He is active in research and widely published on topics regarding meniscal tears, rotator cuff repairs, hip arthroscopy, and Snapping Hip Syndrome.

Additionally, MidAmerica now offers pediatric care under Dr. Prasad Gourineni, who completed orthopaedic residencies in India and at Northwestern University. Dr. Gourineni is a specialist in hip preservation procedures, with additional focus in sports medicine, trauma, and scoliosis.

Post-Surgery

Our physicians understand the importance of the rehabilitation process, and our goal is to ensure a full, healthy recovery. Our doctors and therapists work together to customize treatment plans for each patient based on the condition treated and its severity. As part of our physical therapy program at MidAmerica Orthopaedics, patients learn how to properly bend, stretch and lift in order to build strength and avoid re-injury.

At MidAmerica Orthopaedics, we offer a variety services and treatment options for all ages. To learn more about what we do, visit our website.

To schedule an appointment with MidAmerica Orthopaedics Sports Medicine and Arthroscopy Specialist Dr. Adam F. Meisel, or Pediatric Orthopedic Specialist Dr. Prasad Gourineni, call (708) 237-7200.