What is Snapping Hip Syndrome?
Snapping Hip Syndrome or “Dancer’s Hip” as it is sometimes called, is a condition in which moving the affected hip in certain directions causes an uncomfortable or even painful snapping or popping sensation. This can sometimes limit the affected hip’s range of motion and can get in the way of some athletic activities. As the name “Dancer’s Hip” implies, the condition is often found in people who practice sports that require a great range of flexibility, such as dancing, martial arts, and gymnastics. Snapping Hip Syndrome comes in two varieties: Interior Snapping Hip and Exterior Snapping Hip. While the causes of each type are similar, Snapping Hip Syndrome treatments can vary depending on the type and severity of the condition.
Types of Snapping Hip
Interior Snapping Hip is caused by the Iliopsoas tendon sliding or snapping over a bony section of the pelvis. It is characterized by what can be described as an uncomfortable popping or snapping sensation on the interior of the hip, near the anterior groin, that may also become painful in more serious cases.
Exterior Snapping Hip is the more common of the two varieties and is caused by the Iliotibial band or “I.T. Band” sliding or snapping over the femur. It too may be painful or simply uncomfortable. Like Interior Snapping Hip, the condition is characterized by a snapping or popping sensation, but tends to be less painful or simply uncomfortable.
Snapping Hip Syndrome Treatment
Treatment for Snapping Hip Syndrome includes both surgical and physical therapy options. Physical therapy typically will involve exercises to strengthen and lengthen the affected tendon (Either the I.T. Band or Iliopsoas tendon depending on the type of Snapping Hip) along with rest, ice, and sometimes anti-inflammatory medication. During the physical therapy process, it is crucial that the patient avoid motions or exercises that irritate the symptomatic hip.
If you have a foam roller, there are a few exercises you can do to help lengthen and loosen your I.T. Band to help relieve External Snapping Hip:
- First, lay on your side with the foam roller under the affected hip. Slowly move so that the roller travels to just above you knee (don’t go past your knee!). Pause and give special attention to any sore or tender places. Repeat the motion until the tendon feels thoroughly stretched.
- Second, you can apply more focused pressure to the gluteus medius by keeping the roller between your waist and upper thigh. Again, pause over sore or tender sections and keep rolling until you you feel thoroughly stretched.
- If you suffer from External Snapping Hip, feel free to try this stretching technique to improve the state of your I.T. Band.
These exercises may be enough, or they may be just the beginning to getting your Snapping Hip under control. If these mild measures don’t seem to be bringing enough relief, you may be advised to consider surgical options.
Surgery for Snapping Hip can include a number of procedures. For External Snapping Hip, options include a Z-plasty of the iliotibial tract, re-sectioning of the iliotibial tract, or an elliptical resection of a section of the iliotibial band. For Internal Snapping Hip, surgery may involve a procedure to lengthen the iliopsoas tendon, resection the section of bone that the tendon is sliding over, or to completely release the iliopsoas tendon.
While Snapping Hip Syndrome can be uncomfortable or even limiting, it is very treatable and should be resolved as soon as possible under the guidance and supervision of a medical professional.
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