Snapping hip syndrome

Snapping hip syndrome (SHS) — medically referred to as coxa saltans — is a hip disorder.

Snapping hip syndrome exercises

A person with SHS may hear a snapping sound or feel a snapping sensation when they move their hip joint. When muscle tendons become inflamed, often from overuse, they can click as they rub over the hip socket bone.

SHS is more common in women, though it can affect people of all genders and ages.

There are three main types of snapping hip syndrome:

• Internal. This type occurs when your tendons slide over bone structures at the front of your hip joint.

• External. With this type, your tendon or muscle slides over bone at the top of your thigh bone, or femur.
• Intra-articular. In this category, a snapping hip is caused by an actual hip joint issue or injury.

  Unlike external or internal SHS, intra-articular SFS isn’t caused by a tendon or muscle.

Many cases of SHS are harmless but can increase risk for joint damage. For athletes and dancers, more serious cases of this condition can cause pain and affect their overall performance.