Also known as snapping hip syndrome, hip popping is a condition that affects many athletes as well as others who engage in strenuous physical activity involving repetitive hip movements. The popping is caused by the movement of a tendon or muscle over the bone structure of the hip. In most cases, there is no pain. However, the popping may be distracting and somewhat irritating.
There are several ways to treat hip popping. One approach is to take an over the counter medication that has anti-inflammatory properties. Aspirin or ibuprofen not only help to minimize any inflammation or swelling that may be caused by the movement of the muscle over the bone, but can also help to minimize any pain that may be present as a result.
Making some changes in the way you conduct certain physical activities may help to reduce the hip popping. For example, if you notice the popping occurs while you swim, try relying more on your arms as well as your lower legs. This will help to minimize hip movement and thus prevent the actions that lead to the popping.
Applying an ice pack can also help to ease hip popping. Taking the time to do this before and after engaging in activities that normally cause the snapping hip will not only lessen the severity of the snapping, but also aid in eventually eliminating the popping altogether. In the short term, it can also help with any minor pain that the popping may cause.
You can also try various exercises before you begin your activities. Some stretching exercises can help with hip flexion and prevent the snapping or popping sound that occurs whenever you move your hips in a certain direction. Many of these involve stretching the hip abductor and hip flexor muscles, holding the position for a moment, then repeating the steps. Ask your doctor or a physical therapist about hip exercises that will help you manage the popping to better effect.
Since hip popping is not usually accompanied by pain, you should see a doctor if the popping causes you a significant amount of discomfort. This is especially true if the snapping or popping appeared after undergoing surgery for other hip problems or being involved in an accident. Seeking professional medical services is also a good idea if the popping seems to be occurring more often instead of beginning to subside. Your doctor can examine the hip and make sure there are no additional factors that could lead to permanent damage of the bone or the muscles surrounding the hip.
