Snapping Hip Syndrome
Your outfit should be snappy, not your hips. Unfortunately with marathon season underway that is exactly what ends up happening in many recreational runners. Robie Creek anyone?
Many runners begin feeling a snapping, popping or sometimes a painful sensation in their hips whenever they run, squat or stand up. This is because tendons of the hip begin to swell and become irritated. They swell up and become painful because they are constantly rubbing against part of the leg bone (femur). The swelling can eventually become permanent if left untreated.
There are many reasons why this happens, but most of the time it is from too much running and/or poor running form. Stretching, icing, resting and contacting a physical therapist for more information will help you get rid of that hitch in your giddyup and back on the trails. Happy running.
Tyler Jepson, PT, DPT
Emergency Department Physical Therapist
Filed under: Sports & Injuries