What is snapping hip syndrome?
Snapping hip syndrome, also known as coxa saltans, is a condition caused by muscles and tendons surrounding your hip joint. When you move, your tight muscles or tendons may snap or pop. The sound or sensation can occur with or without pain and can affect one hip or both.
About 5 to 10 percent of the population is affected by snapping hip syndrome. For most people, the condition is painless and doesn’t cause any harm. However, overuse of the hip joint can lead to discomfort and long-term symptoms. And sometimes the snapping can be a sign of other underlying conditions.
You could be more likely to experience a snapping hip if you play a sport or have a job that requires constant bending and significant motion at your hip. The condition is sometimes called “dancer’s hip” because it’s so common in dancers.
Types of snapping hip syndrome
Snapping hip syndrome is named differently depending on where it happens.
External snapping hip
The most common place for a snapping hip is on the side, where the iliotibial (IT) band slides over part of the thighbone called the greater trochanter. When the hip is straight, the IT band is behind the trochanter. When the hip bends, the band moves in front of it. Since the IT band is tight, like a stretched rubber band, it snaps over the trochanter, creating the snapping sound you hear.
Internal snapping hip
Internal snapping hip happens in front and just inside the hip when the hip flexor tendons slide and catch on bony structures at the front of the hip joint. This snapping usually occurs when moving from a bent to a straight position. As the flexor muscle stretches, it briefly catches on the hip bone before snapping back into place. It is the second most common type of snapping hip syndrome.
Intra-articular snapping hip
Intra-articular hip injuries occur within the hip joint itself. Common issues include damage to the articular cartilage lining the ball and socket, acetabular labral tears (tears in the cartilage that rims the hip socket), hip dysplasia or broken bone fragments and debris trapped in the joint following a fracture or dislocation.
Snapping hip syndrome symptoms
As its name indicates, snapping hip syndrome often involves a snapping or clicking sound. While it’s usually painless, some people may feel a clicking or popping sensation when moving their hip.
Other symptoms can include:
- Inflammation
- Swelling
- Leg muscle weakness
- Discomfort (a feeling like the hip might pop out)
- Decreased range of motion in the hip
- Difficulty with physical activity
- Increased pain after activity
When to see a doctor
The symptoms of snapping hip syndrome usually develop over time and increase with overuse. These can take months to years to cause any issues or concerns. See your doctor if you have any signs of a snapping hip, including hip pain and weakness. A physical exam can help pinpoint the problem area, so you can get the treatment you need.
Snapping hip syndrome causes
Hip pain and popping happen when the muscles and tendons around your hip are too lax or too tight. Tendons are strong bands of tissue that connect muscles to bones. The snapping or popping sound occurs when the tissue moves over a bony ridge in your hip joint.
Snapping hip syndrome risk factors
Repetitive hip motions
Activities like running, soccer, gymnastics, and dance that involve repeated hip movements can increase the risk.
Recent growth spurts
Young people who have recently gone through a growth spurt are more likely to experience snapping hip.
Sex
Women are slightly more likely to develop the condition than men.
Poor physical conditioning
Lack of strength and flexibility can raise the risk.
Inadequate warm-up
Not warming up properly before physical activity can make snapping hip more likely.
Flat feet
Having flat feet can increase the risk.
Valgus lower extremity alignment
This occurs when the knees point toward each other while the feet remain straight ahead.
Trauma
Injury or trauma can lead to snapping hip syndrome suddenly.
Complications
Typically, snapping hip syndrome doesn’t have many complications. However, if you don’t take steps to rest or treat the condition, you could develop:
- Hip bursitis (also known as greater trochanteric pain syndrome): Swelling and pain in the bursa, a fluid-filled sac that cushions the hip joint
- A torn hip labrum: Damage to the cartilage that lines your hip socket
Diagnosing snapping hip syndrome
The first step in diagnosing snapping hip syndrome is a physical exam. This will help your doctor determine the cause of the snapping sensation and popping sounds. If needed, imaging tests can be used to get a detailed picture of your hip and provide a clearer idea of what’s going on inside the joint.
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Medical history and exam
Your doctor will want to know where the snapping occurs—on the inside or outside of the hip—and if you have any symptoms other than snapping and popping. During the physical exam, your doctor may try to recreate the snapping and popping by moving your legs and hips in different directions. The way your tendon moves when you bend or straighten your hip will help determine what’s causing your issues.
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Imaging
Based on your physical exam, your doctor may order imaging tests to determine what’s causing your snapping hip, particularly if you have pain and inflammation. Your provider may need to rule out another condition to confirm a diagnosis of snapping hip syndrome.
Imaging tests may include:
- MRI scan: An MRI may help diagnose external snapping hip syndrome by showing your doctor whether you have problems in your IT band or other muscles.
- MRI arthrography: This imaging test combines MRI with a contrast dye to help show problems inside the hip that might be causing internal snapping hip syndrome.
- Ultrasound: A doctor may order an ultrasound if they can’t see any snapping during your physical exam. An ultrasound can show a tendon move over your bone and help determine if tendonitis, bursitis or other conditions cause your symptoms.
- X-ray: X-rays are vital to understand the hip anatomy and they can rule out other conditions, such as hip dysplasia and femoroacetabular impingement, that could be causing your symptoms.
Snapping hip syndrome treatment
The first step in treatment usually involves resting and adjusting your activities. Depending on the cause of your snapping hip, your doctor may also suggest other treatment options.
Lifestyle changes
Resting and reducing activities that cause your symptoms will give your muscles and tendons the time they need to heal. Over-the-counter pain medications, including ibuprofen and naproxen sodium, can reduce inflammation and relieve your pain.
Always remember to warm up and stretch your hip muscles before exercising and set aside time to recover.
Physical therapy
Your physical therapist will create a personalized treatment plan to help you recover from snapping hip syndrome, focusing on pain relief, improving movement, building strength, and preventing future injury. The plan may include exercises, stretches, and treatments like ice, heat, ultrasound, or manual therapy to reduce pain and improve motion.
As you progress, your therapist will guide you through strength-building exercises using equipment like resistance bands or weights. The goal is to speed recovery, return to activities, and prevent re-injury by strengthening and stretching the muscles around the hip and core.
Your treatment plan may include:
- Pain reduction: Using ice, heat, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, taping, or manual therapy techniques.
- Improving motion: Gentle movements, stretches, and specific exercises to restore normal hip and leg movement.
- Building strength: Exercises targeting the hip, core, and leg muscles to restore strength, power, and agility.
- Speeding recovery: Treatment and exercises to help you heal faster and return to normal activities.
- Return to activities: Exercises and work-retraining techniques to help you safely return to work, sports, and daily activities.
- Preventing re-injury: A home exercise program focused on strengthening and stretching muscles around the hip and core to reduce the risk of future injury.
Injections
An ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injection is a treatment where a healthcare professional uses an ultrasound to guide the injection of anti-inflammatory medication directly into the painful area. This can help reduce pain, improve your range of motion, and make it easier for you to participate in physical therapy and other treatments.
Surgery
In rare cases where snapping hip doesn't improve with nonsurgical treatment, your healthcare provider may recommend surgery. The type of surgery depends on the cause of the condition.
- Hip arthroscopy: In this procedure, your surgeon inserts a small camera (arthroscope) into your hip joint to view images on a monitor. They use these images to guide small surgical tools. Since the tools are thin, only small incisions are needed, compared to the larger ones required for traditional surgery. Hip arthroscopy is often used to remove or repair torn labrum fragments.
- Open procedure: In some cases, a larger incision is needed to allow the surgeon better access to the hip joint. This type of surgery helps the surgeon see and address the problem more clearly.
Your orthopedic surgeon will help determine the best approach based on your specific needs.
Locations
With orthopedic centers in North and Central Texas, Baylor Scott & White offers the care you need, where and when you need it.
AccentCare - Fort Worth
3880 Hulen St , Fort Worth, TX, 76107
AccentCare Home Health of Brenham
526 W Main St , Brenham, TX, 77833
AccentCare Home Health of College Station
119 Medical Park Lane Ste C, Huntsville, TX, 77340
AccentCare Home Health of College Station
1605 Rock Prairie Rd Ste 206, College Station, TX, 77845
AccentCare Home Health Of Denton
225 W. Mulberry St. Ste A, Denton, TX, 76201
AccentCare Home Health Of Desoto
911 York Drive Ste 203, DeSoto, TX, 75115
AccentCare Home Health Of Fort Worth (Arlington)
700 Highlander Blvd Ste 205, Arlington, TX, 76015
AccentCare Home Health of Huntsville
122 Medical Park Lane B , Huntsville, TX, 77340
AccentCare Home Health of Marble Falls
1100 Mission Hills Dr Ste 100, Marble Falls, TX, 78654
AccentCare Home Health Of McKinney
6800 Weiskopf Ave Ste 100, McKinney, TX, 75070
AccentCare Home Health Of Taylor (Hutto)
567 Chris Kelley Blvd Ste 201, Hutto, TX, 78634
AccentCare Home Health Of Temple
3809 S General Bruce Dr Ste 105B, Temple, TX, 76502
AccentCare Home Health Of Waco
8300 Central Park Dr Ste A, Waco, TX, 76712
AdventHealth Central Texas
2201 S Clear Creek Rd , Killeen, TX, 76549
Andrews Women's Hospital at Baylor Scott & White - Fort Worth
1400 8th Ave , Fort Worth, TX, 76104
Baylor Scott & White - Hillcrest Infectious Disease Clinic
50 Hillcrest Medical Blvd MOB1, Ste 104, Waco, TX, 76712
Baylor Scott & White - Plano Brain and Spine Center
4708 Alliance Blvd Pavilion I, Ste 810, Plano, TX, 75093
Baylor Scott & White - Texas Brain and Spine Institute
900 Scott and White Dr , College Station, TX, 77845
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White - Texas Brain and Spine Institute - Huntsville
122 Medical Park Ln Ste A, Huntsville, TX, 77340
Baylor Scott & White - The Brenham Clinic
600 N Park St , Brenham, TX, 77833
- Monday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White 65+ Clinic
4716 Alliance Blvd Ste 500, Plano, TX, 75093
- Monday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Cardiac Imaging Specialists
1100 Allied Dr , Plano, TX, 75093
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Cardiovascular and Imaging Consultants
4708 Alliance Blvd Ste 450, Plano, TX, 75093
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Digestive Care
3434 Swiss Ave Ste 200, Dallas, TX, 75204
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart and Lung Disease Center - Fort Worth
1420 8th Ave Ste 103, Fort Worth, TX, 76104
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Care - Anna
450 N Standridge Blvd , Anna, TX, 75409
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Care - Decatur
2401 S FM 51 Ste 200, Decatur, TX, 76234
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Care - Denton
3333 Colorado Blvd , Denton, TX, 76210
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Care - Idabel, OK
4 SE Avenue A , Idabel, OK, 74745
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Care - Keller (Satellite)
3124 N Tarrant Pkwy Ste 204, Keller, TX, 76177
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Care - McKinney (Satellite)
5236 W University Dr Ste 4450, McKinney, TX, 75482
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Care - Mt Pleasant (Satellite)
1011 N Jefferson Ave , Mt Pleasant, TX, 75455
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Care - Paris
875 S Collegiate Dr , Paris, TX, 75462
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Care - Plano
4716 Dexter Dr Ste 100, Plano, TX, 75093
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Care - Sherman Sycamore (Satellite)
203 E Sycamore St , Sherman, TX, 75090
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Care - Sulphur Springs
601 Airport Rd Ste 110, Sulphur Springs, TX, 75482
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Care – Sherman Highland (Satellite)
300 N Highland Ave , Sherman, TX, 75092
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Failure Clinic - Irving
2001 N MacArthur Blvd Bldg 1, Ste 360, Irving, TX, 75061
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Failure Clinic - Abilene
1219 E South 11th St Ste B2, Abilene, TX, 79602
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Failure Clinic - Amarillo
1901 Medi Park Dr Ste 2051, Amarillo, TX, 79106
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Failure Clinic - Dallas
3410 Worth St Ste 250, Dallas, TX, 75246
- Monday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Failure Clinic - Longview
906 Judson Rd , Longview, TX, 75601
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Failure Clinic - Lubbock
3711 22nd St Ste B, Lubbock, TX, 79410
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Failure Clinic - Midland/Odessa
420 E 6th St Ste 102, Odessa, TX, 79761
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Failure Clinic - Tyler
1321 S Beckham Ave , Tyler, TX, 75701
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Failure Clinic - Waxahachie
2360 N Interstate 35E MOB 2, Ste 310, Waxahachie, TX, 75165
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Failure Specialists - Fort Worth
1250 8th Ave Ste 200, Fort Worth, TX, 76104
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Lung Disease Specialists - Dallas
3410 Worth St Ste 250, Dallas, TX, 75246
- Monday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Baylor Scott & White All Saints Medical Center - Fort Worth
1400 8th Ave , Fort Worth, TX, 76104
Baylor Scott & White Ambulatory Endoscopy Center
4708 Alliance Blvd Pavilion I, Ste 210, Plano, TX, 75093
- Monday: 7:00 am - 3:00 pm
- Tuesday: 7:00 am - 3:00 pm
- Wednesday: 7:00 am - 3:00 pm
- Thursday: 7:00 am - 3:00 pm
- Friday: 7:00 am - 3:00 pm
Frequently asked questions
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Is surgery needed for snapping hip syndrome?
Surgery for snapping hip syndrome is rarely needed and is only considered if conservative treatments fail or there are underlying issues. It may be recommended after 2 to 3 months of no improvement, or if there is severe pain, swelling, limited movement, or conditions like damaged cartilage or loose bodies in the hip.
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Can snapping hip syndrome be cured?
Snapping hip syndrome can often be cured with proper treatment, including rest, ice, stretching, and exercise to strengthen muscles and improve flexibility. Anti-inflammatory medications, massage therapy, physical therapy, and corticosteroid injections may also help reduce pain and inflammation, promoting healing and restoring hip function.
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Can snapping hip syndrome cause back pain?
Tightness in the iliopsoas muscle can tilt the pelvis forward, which makes the lower back curve too much. This can put extra stress on the lower spine, causing instability, especially in dance. To adjust, dancers often tighten the muscles around their lower back, leading to back and hip pain.
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Is snapping hip syndrome common?
Snapping hip syndrome affects up to 10 percent of people. It is more common in females and is often caused by overuse, especially in activities involving repetitive hip movement, like dance, soccer, gymnastics, and running.
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Is snapping hip syndrome painful?
Snapping hip syndrome is usually not painful, but it can cause discomfort, especially in the groin area during movement. It can also lead to bursitis, which is swelling in the hip joint that causes pain. In some cases, the condition may make it harder to do everyday activities.
Expert advice from our blog
Scrubbing In® is a place where hands-on healthcare discussions are happening every day with the people whose own hands are on the front lines of patient care—the doctors, nurses and medical staff who are saving lives and advancing medicine.How we reviewed this page
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February 12, 2025
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Medically reviewed by:
Joel Wells, MD