Iliopsoas tendonitis is also known as snapping hip syndrome. It is a medical condition that is characterized by a snapping sensation that is felt when the hip is flexed and extended. It is also often accompanied by snapping or popping sound that is quite audible and some pain or discomfort. Athletes are often at risk of this syndrome due to frequent use of repetitive and physically demanding movements, especially sports with repeated hip flexions. With some rest and diminished activity the pain will decrease.
What is Iliopsoas Tendonitis
The snapping or popping noise is a result of the tendon at the hip flexor crease moving from the flexion position (knee toward waist) toward the extension position (knee down and hip joint straightened). Extended exercise can lead to pain and discomfort which is caused by the inflammation of the iliopsoas bursae. Like I said above, this pain will diminish with rest and decreased activity. If snapping hip syndrome is left untreated, it could last for months or years and is very painful. The onset of pain associated with iliopsas tendonitis is gradual and commonly builds up over time.
Treatment
If your case of iliopsoas tendonitis doesn’t actually cause any pain, then it is generally fine to leave alone without getting it treated. Some minor pain caused by snapping hip syndrome doesn’t necessarily need a doctor either. Just some common home remedies such as reducing and modifying your activity, applying ice, and using over-the-counter pain relievers will be enough to treat minor pain. More severe cases would require a visit to the doctor. Physical therapy will often include a heavy emphasis on stretching, strengthening, and alignment. Stretches such as quadriceps stretches, hamstring stretches, piriformis stretches, and iliotibial band stretches have proven effective in dealing with the pain caused by snapping hip syndrome. In the most extreme cases, surgery may be required although this is exceedingly rare.
Snapping hip syndrome can be a painful experience if it is severe. If the only symptom is that snapping sensation and that popping sound, then it should be fine with just a little rest. However, if there is also pain, then make sure you get that pain treated right. There are a number of things you can do to alleviate that pain you may be experiencing. At the very least it could also be recommended that you take a break from whatever activity it is that caused the pain in the first place.
