Snapping hip is a condition that describes the popping or clicking sound that occurs when you move the hip, this “cracking” can also be felt or seen whilst walking, running, or moving the hip. This condition can occur in one or both hips at the same time and it does not always present itself as painful. There are 3 types of reasons that causes the snapping hip

1. External snapping hip – This happens when the iliotibial band slides over the greater trochanter and it covers the top part of the thigh bone and when mobilising the iliotibial band slides over the thigh bone causing a popping sound. This issue could be caused by having a tight iliotibial band or a weakness in one of the hip muscles
2. Internal extra-articular snapping hip – This occurs at the front and inside of the hip, one of the flexor hips muscles or the iliopsoas tendon slides over the front of the hip bone. This can be caused by having tight flexor muscles or when there is a muscle imbalance.
3. Internal intra-articular snapping hip- This occurs on the inside of the hip joint, and it can be caused by a tear in the cartilage lining of the hip or by osteophytes (Debree) inside the joint.

Signs and Symptoms

• Snapping in the front back or side of the leg whilst moving
• Weakness in the leg
• Swelling
• Tightness of the hip