Snapping hip — clinically coxa saltans — is when you feel or hear a snap, click, or pop in the hip during certain movements. There are three main types, and knowing which one you have determines whether to worry.
External snapping hip (most common)
The IT band or gluteus maximus tendon flicks over the greater trochanter (the bony bump on the outside of your hip). You'll feel a snap on the outside of the hip when you lift your knee up or rotate the leg. Common in runners, dancers, and people who sit cross-legged a lot. Often painless at first, but can develop into greater trochanteric pain syndrome if the tissue gets irritated.
Internal snapping hip
The iliopsoas tendon snaps over a bony prominence on the front of the pelvis. Feels like a deep click in the front of the hip or groin. Common in dancers, gymnasts, and people with tight hip flexors. Often accompanied by hip flexor pain.
Intra-articular snapping (worry about this one)
This is a click coming from inside the joint itself — often from a labral tear or loose body. Usually accompanied by pain, catching, giving way, or restricted motion. Needs imaging and a specialist opinion.
Red flags — see us for assessment
- Pain with the snap
- Catching or locking sensation
- Weakness or instability
- Recent injury preceding it
- Progressive worsening
What we do
Painless external or internal snapping usually needs no treatment beyond mobility and strength work around the hip. If it's painful, we release the offending tendon (Graston, ART, dry needling), mobilize the hip joint, and rebuild glute medius and deep hip rotator strength — the muscles that stabilize the hip and reduce abnormal tendon loading.
Come in for an assessment if the snap is painful, new, or getting worse. Early intervention is straightforward. Delayed care lets the surrounding tissue get cranky.