The sensation of a hip “catching” when walking refers to a feeling of the hip joint sticking, locking, or clicking during movement. This experience, often described as a distinct pop or clunk, can range from a minor annoyance to significant discomfort, impacting an individual’s mobility and overall quality of life. This article explores the nature of hip catching, its underlying causes, and general approaches to its diagnosis and management.
Describing Hip Catching
Hip catching manifests in various ways, often characterized by a distinct “pop,” “click,” or “clunk” within the joint. Some individuals may describe a feeling of the hip “giving way” or “getting stuck” during movement. These sensations typically occur during specific actions such as walking, squatting, pivoting, or rising from a seated position. The catching can be audible, visible, or simply a felt sensation.
Even if painless, catching can indicate an underlying issue within the hip joint. The timing and specific movements that trigger the catching provide valuable clues about its origin. For instance, internal snapping hip might pop when the hip extends from a flexed position, such as when standing up.
Underlying Causes
The sensation of hip catching often arises from issues involving the tendons, muscles, ligaments, cartilage, or bone within or around the hip joint.
One common reason is Snapping Hip Syndrome, also known as coxa saltans. This occurs when a muscle or tendon moves over a bony protrusion, creating a snapping sensation. Internal snapping hip typically involves the iliopsoas tendon sliding over the iliopectineal eminence or the rectus femoris muscle over the femoral head. External snapping hip, more common, happens when the iliotibial band or gluteal tendons snap over the greater trochanter, the knobby bone at the top of the thigh.
Another cause is a Labral Tear, an injury to the cartilage rim (labrum) that deepens the hip socket and helps stabilize the joint. A torn labrum can cause catching, clicking, or a locking sensation, often accompanied by pain or instability. Hip Impingement, or Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI), also frequently causes catching. This condition involves abnormal bone shapes where the bones rub or put extra pressure on each other, leading to pinching and potential cartilage damage.
Small fragments of cartilage or bone floating within the joint space, known as Loose Bodies, can cause catching or locking sensations. These fragments can become lodged between the ball and socket, disrupting normal joint movement. While less common as a primary cause, Bursitis, inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion the hip joint, can sometimes contribute to a snapping sensation, especially with external snapping hip syndrome.
Diagnosis and Management
Identifying the cause of hip catching typically involves a comprehensive evaluation by a medical professional. This begins with a detailed medical history and a physical examination, where the doctor may perform movements to reproduce the catching sensation. Imaging tests complement the physical exam; X-rays assess bone structure and identify abnormalities like those seen in FAI. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is used to visualize soft tissues such as the labrum and tendons, showing cartilage damage or tears.
Management varies by the underlying cause and severity of symptoms, often starting with conservative measures. Rest and activity modification limit joint irritation and allow tissues to heal. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) reduce pain and inflammation. Physical therapy improves hip mechanics through strengthening, stretching, and addressing muscle imbalances.
If conservative methods are insufficient, injections may be considered. Corticosteroid injections reduce inflammation and provide temporary pain relief. For persistent issues not responding to less invasive treatments, surgical intervention may be an option. Arthroscopic surgery, a minimally invasive procedure using small incisions and a camera, can address problems like labral tears, FAI, or removing loose bodies.
When to Consult a Doctor
Consult a doctor if hip catching becomes a persistent or worsening problem. Seek medical advice if the sensation is accompanied by pain, swelling, or tenderness in the hip. Also consult a doctor if the hip catching causes instability or the hip “giving way.”
Seek medical attention if the catching interferes with daily activities, exercise, or sleep. A medical evaluation is warranted if the sensation occurred after an injury or trauma, or if self-care measures like rest and activity modification do not lead to improvement.