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Snapping Hip Syndrome

Snapping hip, also known as “hip snapping,” is a condition characterized by a snapping sensation or sound when moving the hip joint. This snapping can occur on the outer (lateral) or inner (medial) aspect of the hip. There are different types of snapping hip, including internal (inside the joint), external (outside the joint), and intra-tendinous snapping.

Causes of Snapping Hip

  • External snapping hip: Caused by the iliotibial band or the tensor fasciae latae snapping over the greater trochanter of the femur.
  • Internal snapping hip: Caused by the iliopsoas tendon snapping over a bony prominence or structure inside the hip joint.
  • Intra-tendinous snapping: Caused by a tendon snapping within the joint.
拗柴, ankle sprain, 脛前疼痛 shin splint, 阿基里斯腱發炎, Achilles tendinitis
髖關節退化, hip degeneration, hip osteoarthritis

Symptoms of Snapping Hip

  • Snapping sensation: Audible or palpable snapping or clicking sensation in the hip during movement.
  • Pain: Snapping may be accompanied by pain depending on the underlying cause.
  • Tenderness: Tenderness may be felt on the outer or inner aspect of the hip where snapping occurs.
  • Swelling: The affected area may show signs of swelling.
  • Limited range of motion: Moving the hip joint may become difficult without pain or restriction.
  • Muscle weakness: Weakness in the hip or surrounding muscles may be noticed.

Physiotherapy for Snapping Hip

Snapping hip requires an examination to assess for tightness and stiffness in the hip joint and surrounding muscles, as well as any pelvic misalignment, followed by techniques and devices to provide relaxation and relief.

Common physiotherapy methods include:

TCM Treatment for Snapping Hip

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), snapping hip is often categorized under the umbrella of “wind-damp impediment pain.” TCM treatment typically focuses on promoting the flow of meridians, invigorating blood circulation, and relaxing tendons and muscles.

Here are some common TCM methods for treating snapping hip:

  • Herbal Medicine:

    TCM practitioners may prescribe specific herbal formulations with blood-activating, stasis-resolving, wind-damp dispelling, and tendon-relaxing effects to help alleviate symptoms.

  • Acupuncture:

    Acupuncture can alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and promote blood circulation by stimulating specific meridians and acupoints.

  • Orthopedic Reduction: Through manual therapy techniques, the deep and superficial muscles can be relaxed to alleviate pain.

FAQ

Snapping hip itself typically does not directly lead to joint degeneration. However, if snapping hip is caused by underlying structural issues or other joint problems, such as abnormal hip joint morphology, tendon injuries, or wear and tear, these issues themselves may increase the risk of joint degeneration.

Additionally, long-term symptoms of snapping hip may lead to muscle imbalances or improper movement patterns, increasing the stress and burden on the joint, which can have negative effects on the joint and potentially promote the development of joint degeneration.

Before undergoing imaging tests, it is important to consider whether the following issues are present:

 

Whether pain has severely affected your daily activities, work, and life

Severe restriction in hip joint movement

If any of these situations arise, it is advisable to consult a doctor early and consider an MRI scan based on the overall assessment of the situation.

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