Expert: Scott F. Gillman, DC, DACBSP - 9/9/2009

Question
I have always had the ability to pop my hips, mostly just the right one, but it is always a loud pop I can do when I'm sitting down and it never hurts really. But in the past year I have started having more problems with my hips. For the past 4 years, I was in colorguard and there was a good amount of dancing involved and many times after practice I would have pain in either of my hips. I graduated this year and I have been working out at least 5 days a week, doing some running on the elliptical, which usually causes the most pain. Sometimes, after I work out, my hip will even pop everytime I take a step. I was just wondering if this is anything severe and should I go see a doctor or just find other workouts?

Answer
Erin,

This is a common problem that is most prevalent in young females.   Google: snapping hip syndrome.   You'll see a ton of information.  The snapping often comes tendons that ride over the bones of your hip.  There is a boney knob called the lesser trochanter on the inner femur and a greater trochanter on the outer femur.  Often it is the iliopsoas tendon snapping over the lesser trochanter when the snapping is felt in the inner thigh/groin, and the buttock muscles snapping over the greater trochanter when it is felt on the outside of the hip.   For some, it is the SI joint itself, but this is rare and many thing erroneous/controversial.   There is speculation of a thickened bursa sac as a provocative mechanism for snapping, and some get relief with cortisone injection into the buttock near the ischial bursa.    You will get to see the anatomy of this when you google it up and it will make more sense.   The snapping can be a nuisance, and when it gets painful then you really need to address it.  Some women grow out of it or it lessens to the point where they don't think about it much.  There is not much info on how to fix the snapping with conservative methods, e.g. PT or massage.    The orthopedic hip specialist may be the best first consult as injection into the bursas around the hip can provide relief.  

'Hope this helps.  

Dr. G