Snapping Hip Syndrome

Snapping Hip Syndrome Specialist in Kansas City, MO, Lenexa, KS, and Independence, MO

Snapping Hip Syndrome, commonly known as dancer’s hip or coxa saltans, is a condition marked by a distinct snapping or popping sensation in the hip. This experience can be heard audibly and ranges from a minor annoyance to severe pain. The syndrome covers various symptoms and causes, significantly affecting daily life and overall well-being.

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What are The Symptoms of Snapping Hip:

The most frequent symptom is an audible popping or clicking in the hip, typically occurring during hip-bending movements like walking, running, or standing up.

Depending on personal variability, individuals may feel anything from a painless pop to acute pain. The syndrome can also present with swelling around the hip joint, accompanying the popping sound. Some people might experience muscle weakness and struggle to lift their leg, particularly in lateral or forward movements. Some individuals may have challenges in everyday activities. Routine tasks such as walking, jogging, or rising from a seated position may become difficult, and others may feel a sensation of potential hip dislocation.

What Causes Snapping Hip Syndrome?

Tight Muscles and Tendons Due to Repetition: Repeated hip-bending activities can tighten muscles and tendons over time, causing the snapping sensation.
Higher Risk Among Athletes and Dancers: Athletes and dancers, known for repetitive hip movements, are more prone to developing this condition.
Growth-Related Issues in Adolescents: Rapid growth during adolescence may result in muscle tightness, particularly in young athletes.

How Can I Prevent Snapping Hip Syndrome?

  • Stretching regularly is vital for athletes and dancers.
  • Adjusting activity and aiming to avoid motions that worsen the condition.
  • Focus on strengthening exercises, especially targeting hip and core stability.

How Is Hip Snapping Syndrome Treated?

Snapping Hip Syndrome demands a detailed approach to treatment. It is vital for those with symptoms to seek medical advice for an accurate diagnosis and a customized treatment plan. Prompt action can halt symptom progression and minimize the risk of long-term damage to the hip joint.

Rest and Activity Modification: Avoiding activities that trigger the snapping sensation is often recommended. This can include modifying exercise routines or altering movements that exacerbate the condition.

Physical Therapy: A physical therapist can provide exercises that stretch and strengthen the hip muscles. These exercises can help improve flexibility, reduce tightness, and align and stabilize the hip joint. They can also help improve gait and reduce the incidence of snapping.

Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): For pain relief, over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or naproxen may be recommended.

Cold Therapy: Applying ice to the affected area can help reduce pain and swelling, especially after activity.

Heat Therapy: Using heat before activities can help relax the muscles around the hip.

Corticosteroid Injections: If the pain is severe and other treatments are ineffective, a corticosteroid injection into the hip joint or bursa may reduce inflammation and pain.

Surgery: In rare cases where conservative treatments fail, and the snapping hip syndrome is severe, surgery might be necessary. The type of surgery depends on the cause of the snapping. For example, it might involve trimming a part of the hip bone or repairing a torn cartilage.

Orthopedic Health of Kansas City will help you with your hip pain and diagnostics. We serve patients from Kansas City, MO, Lenexa, KS, and Independence, MO.

Snapping Hip Syndrome Care in Kansas City

If you have any of the above symptoms of snapping hip, please contact Orthopedic Health of Kansas City to schedule an appointment with one of our hip and pelvis experts in Kansas City. They will do whatever it takes to get you back on your feet, from easy physical therapy to complicated surgery.