Internal Snapping Hip Syndrome Symptoms & Treatment

Overview

Athletes with internal snapping hip syndrome, often called “dancer’s hip” may notice a snapping or popping sound along with a distinct sensation in the hip during movement. It usually happens when the hip straightens from a bent position and rarely while walking. The snapping occurs as the hip flexor tendon slides over a bony prominence. Although generally harmless, it can sometimes cause pain and restrict athletic performance.

What causes Internal Snapping Hip Syndrome: Symptoms, Treatment, and What to Expect?

Internal snapping hip syndrome usually develops from tightness in the hip flexor muscles or the iliopsoas tendon snapping at the front of the hip. The “snapping” occurs when these structures glide over bony prominences in the hip joint, creating friction that leads to a audible or felt click.

• How the injury occurs:
  • The iliopsoas tendon, which connects the inner hip muscles to the femur (thighbone), slides over the iliopectineal eminence, a ridge on the pelvic bone.
  • The rectus femoris, one of the quadriceps muscles, moves over the femoral head, the hip joint ball.
• Common Everyday Causes: Internal snapping hip can also affect dancers, yoga practitioners, or individuals who sit for long hours and then suddenly perform strenuous activity, as tight hip flexors are more prone to friction-related irritation.

Internal snapping hip syndrome is most often seen in sports that demand repetitive hip flexion and extension, such as:

• Dancing (especially ballet): Repeated leg lifts and extensions strain the hip flexors constantly.
• Gymnastics: Continuous split motions and hip rotations can tighten the iliopsoas tendon.
• Short-distance running: Rapid sprints force the hip flexors to contract explosively, increasing friction.
• Soccer: Frequent kicking and pivoting movements stress the front of the hip joint.
• Rowing: The forward and backward hip motion repeatedly stretches and tightens the hip tendons.
• Martial arts: High kicks and dynamic hip turns can cause tendon irritation over time.

Symptoms

Individuals with internal snapping hip syndrome often notice a popping or snapping sound in the hip during specific movements or athletic activities. Initially, the condition may be painless, but repetitive motion can cause irritation or inflammation of the iliopsoas tendon, known as tendinitis, which can become painful over time. Common symptoms include:

• Instability or giving way: The hip may feel weak or unstable during motion.
• Locking sensation: The hip can occasionally catch or lock when moving.
• Muscle weakness: Strength and control in the hip may decrease with activity.
• Limp after activity: A limp may appear, especially after exercise or long activity.
• Groin clicking: A clicking or popping sound may occur during leg movement.

Non-operative treatment

Your doctor may suggest several treatment options to help relieve symptoms and promote healing, including:

• Rest: Avoid activities that trigger pain or snapping sensations.
• Ice: Apply ice packs to the hip to reduce inflammation and swelling.
• Over-the-counter medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can help manage pain and inflammation.
• Corticosteroid injections: Injected into the bursae (fluid-filled sacs) around the iliopsoas tendon to decrease inflammation and discomfort.
• Physical therapy: Targeted stretching and soft tissue techniques to improve flexibility, strengthen surrounding muscles, and restore smooth hip movement.

Try these exercises to help address your condition:

Below is a PDF of the Exercise Program

Internal Snapping Hip

Surgical Treatment

Internal snapping hip syndrome is usually treated without surgery. In rare cases, for example if  the hip popping sensation is extreme, or the pain has been persistent for months surgery may be indicated. Surgical release of the iliopsoas tendon – either as an open or arthroscopic procedure – may help alleviate the painful internal hip snapping.