Snapping Hip Syndrome

What is Snapping Hip Syndrome?
Snapping hip syndrome, also known as coxa saltans or SHS, is a condition of the hips wherein a person will feel or hear a snapping sensation when moving their hips in certain ways. This snapping is caused by the muscle tendons around the hip joint become inflamed and pressing against the hip bone during movement.

Snapping Hip Syndrome Symptoms
While a majority of snapping hip syndrome cases are generally harmless, it can lead to further joint damage if left untreated. However, serious cases of SHS in dancers and athletes will experience discomfort and pain with the condition.

Other symptoms of SHS include:

– Inflammation
– Weakness of the leg muscle
– Having trouble with regular daily activities
– Swelling around the hip

Snapping Hip Syndrome Causes
Cases of snapping hip syndrome are categorized into three types. These are:

– Internal: The tendons rubbing over frontal hip bone structures
– External: The tendons or muscles rubbing over the femur (the top of the thigh bone)
– Intra-articular: Unlike the other types of SHS, intra-articular cases are a result of other injuries or issues of the hip joint

How is Snapping Hip Syndrome treated?
While some cases of SHS can be treated with cold compress, pain relievers, and rest (allowing the tendons and muscles to repair themselves), serious cases will require physical therapy to help stretch strengthen the muscles surrounding the hips. This helps to improve long-term stability and flexibility.