Snapping hip syndrome can be very alarming when you experience the snapping sensation. Although the snapping is not audible, you will be able to feel the snapping sensation as your leg moves while walking, jogging or running. This can be painful and damaging to your iliotibial, or IT band, but proper stretching and exercises can relieve this stress and treat your snapping hip syndrome.
Cause
There are several muscles that run across the hip while crossing from the thigh bone to the pelvis. According to University of Buffalo Sports Medicine, the snapping sensation develops when tightness in one of these muscles pulls on the IT band, causing tension and pulling it tightly against the hip. When the band moves across the hip bone, it can create a snapping feeling.
Significance
The biggest consequence of snapping hip syndrome is pain experienced in the location. Inflammation and swelling can also occur, and these can make your routine exercises difficult to complete. If left untreated, snapping hip syndrome can force you to miss time from exercising or participating in sports and require more extensive therapy and rehab before your hip is healed.
Stretching Exercises
Stretching the IT band prior to exercise and throughout your day is very important. Focus on exercises that stretch both the IT band as well as the muscles connected to it and surrounding the hip. Standing side bends and crossed-leg side bends are examples of stretches that can be effective in treating the condition, although there are many options from which to choose.
Other Exercises
According to Shape.BC.ca, periodic deep tissue massages are an effective exercise that can improve blood flow to the location, accelerating your healing rate. The massaging also loosens up the muscle tissues, relieving the strain and tension on the IT band. Deep massaging should be done on the outer thigh and buttocks muscles.
Considerations
Icing the hip several times a day can also help reduce swelling and inflammation and heal the condition. If you visit a doctor, you may be given medications, such as pain relievers and nonsteroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs, to cope with the pain and symptoms of snapping hip syndrome.
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