Author: Mr Oliver Eaton BSc (Hons), PG.Cert – Orthopaedic Specialist
Reviewed by: Mr William Sharples BSc (Hons) – Pain Management Expert
Last Updated: September 2025

In this article, you will find out everything you need to know about snapping hip syndrome and the most effective ways to treat it, including an advanced treatment called Prolotherapy.

Snapping Hip Syndrome

Snapping Hip Syndrome is a condition characterized by an audible or palpable snapping sensation and sometimes a popping sound in the hip during movement. While often painless, the condition can indicate underlying abnormalities, typically caused by muscles and tendons moving over bony prominences, that need evaluation. Activities requiring repetitive hip motion, such as dancing, gymnastics, weightlifting, and soccer, increase the likelihood of developing this syndrome, with soccer players among the athletes at higher risk.

What Is Snapping Hip Syndrome?

Also known as ‘Dancer’s Hip’ or ‘Coxa Saltans’ [1], Snapping Hip Syndrome occurs when tendons or muscles move over bony prominences in the hip joint, producing a snap or audible snap that patients may hear during movement of their hips. Although only 5-10% of the population is affected, dancers and athletes who perform repetitive movements with their hips are most commonly diagnosed [2].

Causes

Several factors can contribute to the development of Snapping Hip Syndrome:

Overuse

Continuous flexion and extension of the hip, common in dancers, gymnasts, and athletes, often involve repetitive movements of the legs and can lead to irritation and snapping. Research shows that approximately 90% of dancers with this condition experience it bilaterally, and females are more predisposed than males [4].

Trauma

Hip trauma, including intramuscular injections, surgery (e.g., hip arthroscopy or knee reconstruction), or soft tissue injuries, can predispose an individual to snapping hip [5]. Trauma can cause damage to the affected area, leading to snapping hip symptoms.

Anatomical Variations

Differences in hip anatomy, such as variations in the structure of bones—including the hip bones and thigh bone (femur)—can contribute to the condition [6]. The presence of underlying bony prominences, such as the greater trochanter or other bone structures, may increase the risk of snapping hip syndrome by providing surfaces over which tendons or muscles may catch or slide. Other factors like shortened muscles or tendons, tight iliotibial bands, narrow bi-iliac width, or developmental dysplasia can also play a role.

The Development of Snapping Hip Syndrome

Snapping Hip Syndrome is classified into external snapping hip, internal snapping hip, and intra articular snapping hip. The most common site of snapping hip syndrome is the external snapping hip, which occurs at the common site where the iliotibial band passes over the greater trochanter. Intra articular snapping hip is a distinct subtype associated with intra-articular pathologies.

External

External snapping occurs in the hip area when the iliotibial tract (IT band) moves over the greater trochanter or when the proximal hamstring tendon rolls over the ischial tuberosity. Thickening of surrounding muscles, such as the gluteus maximus, may contribute [9].

Internal

Internal snapping occurs when the iliopsoas tendon snaps over the femoral head or other bony prominences, such as the iliopectineal eminence. This snapping sensation is caused by the dynamic way the tendon moves during hip motion. In some cases, the rectus femoris tendon may also be involved, as it moves over the hip joint and can contribute to the snapping or clicking sensation. Internal snapping often develops gradually, producing a clicking sensation and pain in the anterior groin, restricting hip flexion [11].

Intra-articular

This occurs due to hip capsule injuries, labral tears, cartilage damage, or loose bodies in the joint, causing sudden snapping sounds [12]. Intra-articular pathology, such as cartilage tears or synovial loose bodies, can mimic or coexist with other hip conditions. Almost half of patients with internal snapping hip also have concomitant inter articular pathology, which can complicate diagnosis and clinical findings.

Diagnosis and Evaluation

Diagnosis involves examining the affected hip and identifying the affected area through clinical evaluation. A doctor and physical therapist are often involved in the evaluation and management of snapping hip syndrome. Diagnosis is primarily clinical, confirmed using MRI or ultrasonography. X-rays are used to visualize the bones and hip bones to identify abnormalities or rule out other pathologies, while MRI and ultrasound can identify thickened tendons, bursitis, or labral tears [13].

Treatment Options

Asymptomatic cases may not require treatment. For pain or functional limitations, conservative measures are the first line of management and include:

• Activity modification to avoid or adjust movements that trigger symptoms
• Physical therapy to improve hip alignment and movement, often guided by a physical therapist
• Specific stretching exercises, such as a piriformis stretch, to relieve discomfort and improve flexibility
• General stretching as part of the management plan
• NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen)
• Corticosteroid injection to reduce inflammation in the hip area
• Rest and cold therapy
• Temporary immobilization or restricted movement

Inflammation of the bursa or surrounding tissues can contribute to pain and may be addressed with these conservative measures or, if necessary, surgical treatment.

For persistent or severe cases where conservative measures fail, a doctor may recommend surgery. Surgical treatment options include arthroscopic techniques or open surgery, depending on the specific condition. Surgical approaches vary by type:

• External: elliptical resection or Z-plasty of the iliotibial band, which may be completely released to alleviate symptoms but can sometimes result in weakness in abduction
• Internal: release or lengthening of the iliopsoas tendon, lesser trochanter resection, with the tendon sometimes completely released, which may lead to hip flexor weakness
• Intra-articular: addressing labral tears, loose bodies, or capsular pathology

Arthroscopic surgery is generally preferred over open techniques due to better recovery and fewer complications [14].

Prolotherapy

In recent years, Prolotherapy has built its reputation within the medical community for its clinically proven ability to treat hip pain.

Published research shows its pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory, and regenerative benefits.

Prolotherapy involves injecting a natural regenerative solution with small needles. This stimulates collagen production and treats the root cause of hip pain, making it a long-lasting solution.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this section is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Prolotherapy may not be suitable for everyone, and outcomes can vary. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional regarding your specific medical condition or treatment options. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of information you have read here.

Contact ProHealth Clinic Today for Your FREE 15-Minute Discovery Call

Don’t let hip pain control your life any longer. Join the thousands of patients who have found lasting relief through prolotherapy at ProHealth Clinic.

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Author Bio

Having performed over 10,000 procedures, Mr Eaton is one of the UK’s leading practitioners in the field of treating hip pain, with patients travelling from the UK, Europe, and the Middle East.

With over 12 years of clinical experience, Oliver Eaton helps patients understand their symptoms associated with hip pain and provides effective treatment options. He qualified in Prolozone Therapy and Prolotherapy in America with the American Academy of Ozonotherapy, and completed further training at the Royal Society of Medicine, Charing Cross Hospital, Keele University, and Heidelberg University.

He has treated elite athletes, including Olympic and Commonwealth medallists.

Mr Eaton’s expertise has been featured in many national news and media publications, including The Telegraph, The Daily Mail, The Daily Express, Women’s Health Magazine, and The Scotsman.
LinkedIn: Oliver Eaton

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes Snapping Hip Syndrome?

Overuse, trauma, and anatomical variations are the main causes. Repetitive hip movements, which often involve the legs, or prior injuries increase susceptibility.

Is Snapping Hip Syndrome painful?

It may be painless or cause mild to severe hip pain, especially with internal snapping involving the iliopsoas tendon.

How is Snapping Hip Syndrome diagnosed?

Diagnosis involves a doctor or physical therapist performing a clinical evaluation of the affected hip, including examination and assessment of the affected area. MRI and ultrasonography may be used to further assess tendon thickening, bursitis, or labral tears.

What are the treatment options?

Conservative measures for snapping hip syndrome include activity modification, rest, NSAIDs, stretching, and specific stretches such as the piriformis stretch, often guided by a physical therapist. A corticosteroid injection may be used to reduce inflammation if other conservative options are not effective. If symptoms persist despite these conservative measures, a doctor may recommend surgery. Surgical treatment options include hip arthroscopy and open surgery, which may be considered when nonsurgical methods fail. Prolotherapy may also be indicated for persistent cases.

Can Prolotherapy permanently treat hip pain?

Yes. Prolotherapy targets the root cause, stimulates collagen regeneration, and can prevent symptoms from recurring.

References

1. Musick SR, Varacallo M. Snapping Hip Syndrome. [Updated 2022 May 1]. StatPearls [Internet]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448200/
2. Yen YM, Lewis CL, Kim YJ. Understanding and Treating the Snapping Hip. Sports Med Arthrosc Rev. 2015;23(4):194-199.
3. Walker P, Ellis E, Scofield J, et al. Snapping Hip Syndrome: A Comprehensive Update. Orthop Rev. 2021;13(2):25088.
4. Badowski E. Snapping hip syndrome. Orthop Nurs. 2018;37(6):357-360.
5. Lewis CL. Extra-articular Snapping Hip: A Literature Review. Sports Health. 2010;2(3):186-190.
6. Musick SR, Varacallo M. Snapping hip syndrome. 2017.
7. Allen WC, Cope R. Coxa saltans: the snapping hip revisited. JAAOS. 1995;3(5):303-308.
8. Cheatham SW. Extra-articular hip impingement: a narrative review. J Can Chiropr Assoc. 2016;60(1):47.
9. Piechota M, et al. Internal snapping hip syndrome in dynamic ultrasonography. J Ultrasonogr. 2016;16(66):296.
10. Ilizaliturri VM Jr, et al. Internal snapping hip syndrome: outcome after endoscopic release. Arthroscopy. 2015;31(10):1991-1995.
11. Kyin C, et al. Mid-to long-term outcomes of hip arthroscopy: a systematic review. Arthroscopy. 2021;37(3):1011-1025.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making treatment decisions.