In my previous blog, I wrote about bursitis at the hip.
Snapping hip syndrome can occur as a result of chronic bursitis at the hip.
This condition is commonly found in dancers, runners and cheerleaders. The cause
of this condition can either be from within the joint itself, or from
structures just outside of the joint capsule.
I will not go into anatomical details here, but basically,
various ligaments and muscles can be affected, resulting in three different
types of snapping hip syndrome that may occur. A ligament or muscle snaps over
a bony structure, thus the name ‘snapping hip syndrome’. The muscle or ligament
involved will determine the type of snapping hip syndrome present. Iliotibial
band friction syndrome, which I have written about previously, can also cause
snapping hip syndrome.
Signs and Symptoms
A snapping sensation is heard or felt when performing
certain movements of the hip. The most common movement is bending the hip and
turning the leg outwards while standing on one leg. Snapping may also be
experienced in the inner groin. Pain is not usually associated with this
condition.
Management
Non-streroidal anti-inflammatory medications may be used to
treat the initial inflammation caused by the bursitis. Thereafter, an
appropriate exercise rehabilitation programme should be prescribed by a
biokineticist to correct muscle tightness and weakness surrounding the joint.
Poor training techniques and biomechanics will also be assessed by the
biokineticist and corrected.
References
Foundations of Athletic Training: Prevention, Assessment and
Management
