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The hip is a ball-and-socket joint formed where the rounded end of the thighbone (femur) fits into a cup-shaped socket (acetabulum) in the pelvis. The acetabulum is surrounded by strong fibrocartilage called the labrum that creates a tight seal and helps to provide stability to the joint.

Encasing the hip are ligaments that surround the joint and hold it together. Over the ligaments are tendons that attach muscles in the buttocks, thighs, and pelvis to the bones. These muscles control hip movement.

Fluid-filled sacs called bursae are located in strategic spots around the hip to provide cushioning and help the muscles move smoothly over the bone.

Illustration shows the bones of the hip joint, as well as the ligaments, tendons, and bursae that surround and protect the joint.

Reproduced from The Body Almanac. © American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2003. 

Snapping hip can occur in different areas of the hip where tendons and muscles slide over bony prominences (knobs) in the hip bones.

• Outside of the hip. The most common site of snapping hip is at the outer side where the iliotibial (IT) band passes over the portion of the femur (thighbone) known as the greater trochanter.
  
  When the hip is straight, the iliotibial band is behind the trochanter. When the hip bends, the band moves over the trochanter so that it is in front of it. The IT band is always tight, like a stretched rubber band. Because the trochanter sticks out slightly, the movement of the band across it creates the snap you hear.
  
  Eventually, snapping hip may lead to hip bursitis. Bursitis is thickening and inflammation of the bursa, a fluid-filled sac that allows the muscle to move smoothly over bone.

(Left) This front-view of the hip and thigh shows musculature most often associated with snapping hip: the iliotibial band, rectus femoris tendon, and iliopsoas muscle. (Right) The biceps femoris hamstring muscle travels under the gluteus maximus and can snap as it moves over the ischial tuberosity.

• Front of the hip. Another tendon that could cause a snapping hip runs from the front of the thigh up to the pelvis (rectus femoris tendon). Snapping of the rectus femoris tendon is felt in the front of the hip. As you bend the hip, the tendon shifts across the head of the thighbone, and when you straighten the hip, the tendon moves back to the side of the thighbone. This back-and-forth motion across the head of the thighbone causes the snapping.  In addition to the rectus femoris tendon at the front of the hip, the iliopsoas tendon can catch on bony prominences at the front of the pelvis bone.
• Back of the hip. Snapping in the back of the hip can involve the hamstring tendons. These tendons attach to the sitting bone, called the ischial tuberosity. When they move across the ischial tuberosity, the tendons may catch, causing a snapping sensation in the buttock region. This is not as common as other forms of snapping hip.
• Cartilage problems. The labrum that lines the socket of the hip can tear and cause a snapping sensation. Damaged cartilage can loosen and float in the joint causing the hip to catch or "lock up." Even though this is not a true snapping hip caused by a muscle outside the joint, some of the symptoms may be similar. Symptoms due to a torn labrum, however, may cause more pain deep in the groin than a typical snapping hip.

Mechanical symptoms, such as catching in the hip, can also be caused by tears in the labrum or damage to the cartilage that covers the bones of the joint.

Snapping hip is most often the result of tightness in the muscles and tendons surrounding the hip. People who are involved in sports and activities that require repeated bending at the hip are more likely to experience snapping hip. Dancers are especially vulnerable.

Young athletes are also more likely to have snapping hip. This is because tightness in the muscle structures of the hip is common during adolescent growth spurts.

Most people do not see a doctor for snapping hip unless they experience some pain. If the snapping hip bothers you — but not to the point of seeing a doctor — try the following conservative home treatment options:

• Reduce your activity level and apply ice to the affected area.
• Use nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as naproxen or ibuprofen, to reduce discomfort.
• Modify your sport or exercise activities to avoid repetitive movement of the hip. For example, reduce time spent on a bicycle, and swim using your arms only.

If you are still experiencing discomfort after trying these conservative methods, consult your doctor for professional treatment.

Initial treatment typically involves a period of rest and modification of activities. Depending on the cause of your snapping hip, your doctor may also recommend other nonsurgical treatment options.

Physical Therapy

Your doctor may prescribe exercises like the ones below to stretch and strengthen the musculature around the hip. Guidance from a physical therapist may also be recommended.

• Iliotibial band stretch
  • Stand next to a wall for support.
  • Cross the leg that is closest to the wall behind your other leg.
  • Lean your hip toward the wall until you feel a stretch on the outside of your hip. Hold the stretch for 30 seconds.
  • Repeat on the opposite side.
  • Perform 2 to 3 sets of 4 repetitions on each side.

Iliotibial band stretch

• Piriformis stretch
  • Lie on your back with bent knees and feet flat on the floor.
  • Cross the foot of the affected hip over the opposite knee and clasp your hands behind your thigh.
  • Pull your thigh toward you until you feel the stretch in your hip and buttocks. Hold the stretch for 30 seconds.
  • Repeat on the opposite side.
  • Perform 2 to 3 sets of 4 repetitions on each side.

Piriformis stretch