Expert: Jennifer - 5/22/2004

Question
hi, i was wondering about something with my hip joint. When i lift my leg in a developpe to the side or when i do a leg extension, and then  put it down, the hip joint sort of makes a poping feeling. But you cant hear it, you just feel it. This only happens on my right leg. What is this and how can i fix this? Will this grow worse as i grow older? Thank you

Answer
Hi, Julie, thanks for your question.

I don't feel comfortable answering your question definitively because I am not a medical or health expert, and I know that such a symptom could be caused by a number of different things. Even a doctor probably couldn't answer your question fully just from an emailed description! So if you want a definate and authoritative answer to your question as it relates to your own body specifically, I reccomend you see a doctor or health professional.

Generally, however I believe that many people have various clicks like that in their bodies. I have them in my shoulder and in one of my hips, and I know another girl that has it in her knee. They have never been painful or bothersome however. They are generally harmless in my experience (though they can be frustrating when trying to execute smooth movements in dance!). However, if they are painful or very limiting to your range of motion, I suggest asking a doctor about the problem.

I hope this helps!