How Is Snapping Hip Treated?

orthopedic in Franklin Lakes, NJ

At New York Sports Medicine Institute, we specialize in Orthopedic Sports Medicine and are committed to providing the highest quality of orthopedic and sports medicine care. A major component of our treatment operations is our emphasis on preventative care. Though we do offer a wide range of services for those who are in need of immediate or chronic assistance, we also see the value in integrating the doctrine of prevention within a patient’s treatment plan as a way to mediate and prevent future injuries or conditions. The hip is a complicated, powerful, and fragile joint that is a common source of injury or chronic pain for our patients. If you are experiencing hip pain and are in need of a skilled orthopedic in Franklin Lakes, NJ please contact us at NYSMI or visit our website here for the most professional and comprehensive care you can receive. 

What is Snapping Hip?

Snapping Hip is a condition where the hip joint will pop, click, or snap as a result of movement or flexion of the joint. An audible noise occurs when a patient has snapping hip syndrome, which is typically why the patient is able to self-diagnose the condition. Though the condition does cause a noise, the condition does not often cause the person pain initially. The condition might start off as painless; however, over time the overuse of the joint coupled with the condition can cause issues with the joint itself. The snapping itself is usually caused by inflamed or overused tendons that make a clicking sound as they maneuver themselves around the hip socket bone. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, you may have a snapping hip!

Types of Snapping Hip

A medical professional can help you to diagnose which of the three types of snapping hip syndrome you have. The more accurate the diagnosis, the more effective the treatment plan will ultimately be. 

  • Internal: Tendons slip over bones at the front of your hip.
  • External: Tendon or muscles slip over the bone at the femur
  • Intra-articular: Snapping hip is caused by an issue with the joint, This type of hip snapping is not caused by a tendon or a muscle. 

Common Symptoms of Hip Snapping

Though hip snapping typically only results in an audible clicking noise of some kind, it can sometimes cause other notable symptoms as well. 

  • Pain in the affected area
  • Swelling in the hip 
  • Weakness in your leg on the side of the hip snapping
  • A sensation that your hip is becoming disjointed from its socket

Diagnosis and Treatment of Hip Snapping

Some people with this syndrome will not require medical attention as they may never experience pain, discomfort, or loss of mobility. However, if the condition intensifies and you do decide to visit a medical professional, they may require that you take X-rays of the affected area so that they can make an accurate diagnosis. 

In more severe cases of hip snapping, a doctor may suggest that you attend physical therapy so as to preserve your range of motion and strengthen the muscles surrounding the hip joint. Steroid injections are also common when it comes to treatment methods for pain relief in major joints. Steroid injections can be helpful in alleviating the pain that may accompany hip snapping. 

Besides physical therapy and steroid injections, there are also at-home stretches that your orthopedist might recommend depending on your circumstances to alleviate some of the hip snapping symptoms. Not all stretches will be accessible to everyone, so it is best to consult with your doctor, physical therapist, or orthopedist before attempting any at-home exercises or stretches. For further information or an orthopedic in Franklin Lakes, NJ, contact NYSMI or visit our website here. 

Contact Us

At NYSMI, we pride ourselves on our expertise and quality of care. If you are experiencing hip snapping syndrome and believe that it is time to see a healthcare professional, contact us today to schedule an appointment. We at NYSMI are a highly skilled orthopedic in Franklin Lakes, NJ, and can help you get back on the path to a happy and healthy life! For more information on our services, our locations, our hours, and our healthcare providers, visit our website.

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