Snapping Hip

Snapping hip is a condition most often found in athletes such as dancers, cheerleaders, gymnasts, and runners. It is usually caused by the iliotibial tract (a bundle of fibers that provide support to the outer thigh) sliding over the greater trochanter (a bump on the hip bone). When the tract crosses over the outer trochanter, it produces a noise, just as does a rubber band when stretched and plucked.

If the snapping is accompanied by pain, you could have bursitis, an injured tendon or ligament, or a piece of bone or other debris in your hip joint. A physician or physical therapist can distinguish between these. Stretching and other exercises can help bursitis and reduce the snapping of a “snapping hip.”