Snapping hip syndrome (SHS) is a hip disorder also known medically as coxa saltans. A person with snapping hip syndrome may hear a snapping sound or feel a snapping sensation in their hip when they walk, run, get up from a chair or swing their leg around. SHS develops primarily from overuse. The muscle tendons become inflamed, and they snap or click as they rub over the hip bone socket.
Who Suffers From SHS?
SHS can affect people of all ages. SHS tends to be more common in women, but it can affect people of all genders. People with jobs that require repetitive moving of the hip, such as laborers, line workers, athletes, dancers, and nurses, are at a greater risk of developing SHS.
Three Main Types of Snapping Hip Syndrome
Internal: Tendons slide over bone structures at the front of the hip joint. This is the second most common type of SHS. People with internal SHS often experience a gradual onset of symptoms that worsen over time. They may feel pain near the groin and hear popping when running.
External: Tendons slide over bone at the top of the femur (thigh bone). This is the most common type of SHS. People with external SHS may feel snapping when running or when climbing up stairs. They may also feel tenderness on the outside of the hip, and lying on this hip at night is painful.
Intra-articular: Not caused by a tendon sliding over bone. An actual hip joint issue caused by trauma or an injury causes this type of SHS.
Symptoms and Treatment of SHS
Many cases of SHS are painless and the only symptom is the annoying snapping sound or sensation. However, other cases cause pain or weakness and can interfere with a person’s job performance. If home remedies such as ice and over-the-counter pain relievers do not work, seeing a doctor will be necessary. A doctor may recommend physical therapy with a focus on stretching, strengthening, and alignment. A corticosteroid injection to the area is another treatment approach that can relieve inflammation. Doctors may recommend surgery if you don’t get better. We highly recommend that you see a doctor ASAP and tell them about your job activities. Failure to do that could cause you to lose your right to bring a claim.
Snapping Hip Syndrome and Workers’ Compensation In Illinois?
If you have SHS, and it is the result of your job duties, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation for your medical treatment and your time off work. In addition, your employer may need to modify what you do at work until you get better. Illinois law can protect you. We are a state-wide network of experienced attorneys who can help you navigate the workers’ compensation process and get you the benefits you need. It costs nothing upfront to hire a lawyer and we only get paid if we are successful.
To ask us questions about your snapping hip syndrome and workers’ compensation or discuss starting a case, please call us anytime for free at 312-346-5578.
