Why Does My Hip Click When I Walk?

Your hip may click when you walk due to snapping hip syndrome, a condition that affects the hip joint. This occurs when muscles and tendons move over bony structures within the ball-and-socket joint. As these muscles and tendons shift, you may feel a snapping sensation or hear a popping sound. This friction becomes more noticeable when repetitive loading places extra stress on these structures.

At Total Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, our hip specialist, Dr. Michael K. Shindle, evaluates your hip joint, movement patterns, and the cause of clicking. As a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, he uses advanced imaging tests to confirm the diagnosis. Based on these findings, he develops a treatment plan to restore hip function. Call 855-321-6784 to schedule your appointment in West Orange.

What Causes Hip Clicking When Walking?

Hip clicking while walking usually occurs when a muscle or tendon rubs over a bone in your hip, producing a clicking sensation. In many cases, this happens because of conditions like snapping hip syndrome, where the tissues around your hip do not move smoothly. Sometimes, deeper joint problems like hip impingement or a torn hip labrum can also cause persistent hip clicking.

According to a review published in Sports Health, hip clicking may originate from tissues around the hip or from problems inside the joint. For example, the iliotibial band on the outer hip or the iliopsoas tendon at the front can create a snapping feeling during movement. In other cases, issues inside the joint, such as labral tears or cartilage damage, may lead to clicking, catching, or sharp hip pain.

The exact cause of hip clicking usually depends on the location of snapping, such as:

Internal Snapping Hip

This type of hip clicking usually involves the iliopsoas tendon at the front of the hip. As you lift your leg or stand up, the tendon shifts across nearby structures and creates a snapping sensation. You often feel it deep in the front of the hip. It commonly affects people who repeatedly perform the same hip movements, such as runners, cyclists, and other athletes.

External Snapping Hip

You may notice this type of snapping along the outer side of your hip during walking or climbing stairs. It happens when the iliotibial band moves over a bony ridge on the outside of the hip, creating a snapping or clicking feeling. When the tissues are tight or the gluteus maximus muscle is weak, the iliotibial band’s sliding over the bone becomes less controlled, making the snapping more noticeable over time.

Intra-Articular Causes

In some cases, the clicking originates within the hip joint rather than from surrounding tissues. This usually happens when structures within the joint do not move smoothly during motion, often due to problems such as labral tears or hip impingement. In a study published in Arthroscopy, Dr. Michael K. Shindle and colleagues found that unaddressed bony impingement lesions were present in most patients requiring revision hip arthroscopy. These findings show how structural issues inside the joint can disrupt normal movement and lead to persistent symptoms.

Can Hip Impingement Lead to Clicking Sounds?

Yes, hip impingement can lead to clicking sounds when the hip bones rub against each other during movement and interfere with normal motion. Because of this repeated contact, the smooth lining inside the joint can get irritated or worn down. As this irritation builds, you may start to feel catching or hear a clicking sound during certain hip movements.

As the condition progresses, this repeated pressure can begin to damage the cartilage that helps the joint glide smoothly. This damage may create a catching or sticking feeling during movement. At the same time, the labrum, a soft ring of tissue around the hip socket, can become stressed or injured, leading to a torn labrum and ongoing hip pain.

Why Is Snapping Hip Syndrome Common in Athletes?

Snapping hip syndrome (SHS) is common in athletes because their sports require repeated hip flexion, extension, and rotation. These repeated movements place ongoing stress on the tendons around the hip joint. Over time, this strain can cause tightness or imbalance in the front hip tendon and outer hip band.

In fact, according to a 2021 review in Orthopedic Reviews, snapping hip syndrome affects about 5–10% of the general population. However, the risk is higher in young athletes who perform frequent hip rotation. During this review, a cross-sectional study of 87 elite ballet dancers found that 91% showed some degree of snapping hip syndrome.

Here’s how different athletic activities increase the risk of SHS:

Hip Rotation

Sports like soccer, basketball, and tennis involve repeated hip rotation, which places stress on the hip joint. During these activities, frequent pivoting and turning gradually increase friction between the tendons and hip bones. As this friction builds over time, the tendons may begin to shift over a bony ridge. This altered movement can lead to a clicking hip or a noticeable snapping sound during activity.

Extreme Motion

Activities such as gymnastics require you to move your hips through extreme ranges of motion. Unlike field sports, these movements place a deeper strain on the front of your hip and the hip flexor muscles. With repeated motion, the front hip tendon may begin to slide over the thigh bone. This can trigger internal snapping of the hip, often felt as a popping sound.

Tendon Overload

Repeated loading on the same hip muscles and tendons, especially during running and endurance training, can place ongoing stress on your hip joint. Over time, this constant strain may lead to tight muscles and reduced hip flexibility. As movement becomes less smooth, the tissues may begin to rub against nearby bone structures. This can cause a snapping sensation or a clicking sound during regular hip movements.

Repetitive Training

High training volume, especially in activities like long-distance cycling or repetitive stair climbing, can place ongoing stress on your hip joint. Without enough recovery, this overuse can irritate the tendons and surrounding tissues. It may also lead to inflammation of fluid-filled sacs called bursae, increasing the risk of hip bursitis. As this irritation builds over time, you may notice a snapping sensation or pain during physical activity.

When Should You See a Doctor for a Hip Clicking?

You should see a doctor if hip clicking is accompanied by symptoms that do not improve with rest or basic care. While occasional hip snapping or popping can be harmless, clicking that occurs with changes in walking pattern or hip stability may signal an underlying condition, such as hip impingement or a labral tear. In such cases, early evaluation helps identify joint problems and prevents worsening hip issues or long-term damage.

Here are some other signs that require medical attention:

• Clicking that becomes more frequent or louder over time
• A catching or sticking feeling during certain hip movements
• Pain that develops after physical activity or prolonged sitting
• Difficulty with daily movements like standing, bending, or climbing stairs

If you notice any of these symptoms, contact our orthopedic specialist, Dr. Michael K. Shindle, right away. As a Medical Advisory Board Member at Black Bear Sports Group, he brings advanced expertise in treating athletic and joint-related injuries. He evaluates your condition with a precise sports medicine approach using a detailed physical examination and medical history. He identifies the cause of hip snapping, pain, or instability and recommends targeted care, including conservative treatments to reduce inflammation or minimally invasive surgery when needed. Call 855-321-6784 to schedule your appointment.

How Is Snapping Hip Syndrome Diagnosed?

Our orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Michael K. Shindle, diagnoses snapping hip syndrome, also known as dancer’s hip, through a detailed medical history and a focused physical examination. He evaluates how your hip moves during specific positions to identify the structures involved in the snapping or clicking sensation. In many cases, the snapping or popping sensation can be reproduced during the exam, which helps confirm the diagnosis. This approach also helps distinguish between tendon-related issues and deeper joint problems, ensuring an accurate treatment plan.

To confirm the diagnosis and identify the exact cause of your symptoms, he uses the following step-by-step approach:

Medical History

Dr. Michael K. Shindle begins by reviewing your symptoms in detail, including when the hip snapping started and how it has progressed over time. During this discussion, our specialist evaluates whether repetitive hip movements, physical activity, or prolonged sitting make the condition worse. The assessment also includes a review of prior injuries, training habits, and any changes in your daily routine. This comprehensive evaluation helps identify patterns linked to overuse, muscle imbalance, or irritation in the affected hip.

Movement Assessment

After taking your medical history, he performs a movement-based assessment to observe how your hip functions under controlled conditions. You may be asked to lift, rotate, or extend your leg while maintaining a stable position. These movements help recreate the snapping and allow him to assess how tissues move over nearby bone. This process helps pinpoint whether the issue comes from tight soft tissue, such as the IT band or hip flexor, or from another source.

Dynamic Imaging

If further confirmation is needed, Dr. Michael K. Shindle may use dynamic ultrasound to evaluate the hip during movement. This imaging method captures how the tendons shift as your hip moves, making it especially useful for identifying snapping as it happens. Unlike static scans, it allows real-time visualization of the structures, providing a clearer understanding of how they interact during activity.

Structural Imaging

To rule out underlying joint conditions, Dr. Michael K. Shindle may order imaging such as X-rays or an MRI. He typically begins with X-rays to assess bone structure and alignment, which can reveal conditions such as hip impingement or arthritis. If these findings do not fully identify the cause of your symptoms, he may order an MRI to evaluate soft tissues, such as the labrum and surrounding structures. This step-by-step use of imaging ensures that deeper causes of hip issues are clearly identified and not overlooked.

What Are the Best Treatment Options for Hip Clicking?

The most effective treatment options for hip clicking include activity modification, anti-inflammatory care, and targeted injections. At Total Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, our specialists select treatment based on the cause of the snapping and whether you have pain, inflammation, or limited movement. If the snapping hip is painless, you may not need treatment right away.

However, if symptoms such as pain, stiffness, or movement limitations develop, our doctor focuses on reducing irritation and restoring smooth hip movement. If symptoms continue despite nonsurgical treatments, surgical options may also be considered to address the underlying cause.

Depending on the cause of hip clicking, your treatment may include:

Activity Modification

We begin treatment by identifying the movements that place excess stress on your hip joint. Once we recognize these patterns, we focus on limiting repetitive motions and avoiding positions that strain the joint. We also help you modify activities that cause tendons to snap over bony structures. By making these targeted changes, our specialists help decrease irritation, restore smooth tendon movement, and support more comfortable, controlled hip function.

Anti-Inflammatory Care

Our orthopedic specialist may also include anti-inflammatory medications in your treatment plan to reduce irritation within the hip joint and surrounding tissues. These medications help reduce inflammation in tendons, bursae, and joint linings, especially when repetitive movement or overuse contributes to your symptoms. He may also recommend non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for short-term relief.

Targeted Injections

If your inflammation persists despite initial care, we may use targeted injections to treat the specific area causing your hip snapping. Corticosteroid injections are injected into the affected area, such as a bursa or around irritated, snapping tendons, to calm inflammation and relieve pain. In some cases, these injections also help confirm the source of symptoms by identifying the exact structure responsible for the popping sensation. This approach allows us to target the exact source of the problem rather than treating the entire joint.

Surgical Options

When nonsurgical treatments fail to relieve hip pain, snapping, or movement limitations, Dr. Michael K. Shindle may consider surgical intervention to address the underlying problem. Procedures such as hip arthroscopy allow us to treat internal causes of hip snapping using specialized surgical instruments through small incisions. This minimally invasive surgery may involve releasing tight structures, addressing damage around the femoral head, or performing arthroscopic hip debridement to smooth irritated tissue within the joint. In more complex cases, open surgery may be recommended to correct structural issues that cannot be managed arthroscopically.

Can PRP Therapy Help With Hip Clicking Symptoms?

Yes, PRP therapy may help with hip clicking when the symptoms are linked to chronic tendon irritation or soft tissue inflammation around the hip. PRP targets these irritated tissues by delivering concentrated growth factors from your own blood to support repair. As the tissue recovers, movement across the hip can become more efficient, which may reduce mechanical symptoms like snapping or clicking over time.

Here is how PRP therapy may help improve hip clicking symptoms:

• Tissue Healing: Supports repair of irritated tendons and soft tissues that contribute to abnormal movement around the hip.
• Inflammation Control: Helps reduce localized inflammation that can interfere with smooth joint motion.
• Tendon Function: Improves how tendons interact with surrounding structures during movement.
• Movement Efficiency: Enhances overall coordination of hip structures, potentially reducing mechanical symptoms over time.

At Total Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, Dr. Michael K. Shindle identifies the exact cause of your hip clicking before recommending treatment. Based on your diagnosis, he uses image-guided PRP injections to support targeted care. Moreover, to ensure your treatment proceeds without unnecessary delays, we accept most insurance plans and offer clear self-pay pricing with flexible payment options. Call 855-321-6784 now to schedule your appointment.

Is Dry Needling Effective for Hip Joint Pain?

Yes, dry needling can be effective for hip joint pain, but it depends on the underlying cause of your discomfort. It works best when the pain is linked to muscle tightness, trigger points, or surrounding soft-tissue dysfunction rather than structural joint damage. By inserting thin needles into specific points, it helps release muscle tension, improve blood flow, and reduce pain patterns that often contribute to hip discomfort.

According to a 2021 randomized controlled trial published in Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, dry needling significantly reduced hip pain while improving muscle strength and physical function in patients with hip osteoarthritis. These findings support its role as a targeted option for managing muscle-related hip pain and improving overall joint performance.

How Does Hip Arthroscopy Help With Snapping Issues?

Hip arthroscopy helps treat a snapping hip by correcting the exact mechanical cause inside the joint. It allows our surgeon to directly visualize the femoral head and cup-shaped socket and address issues such as snapping tendons, labral damage, or bony impingement. By restoring smooth movement between these structures, hip arthroscopy reduces the popping sensation, relieves pain, and improves overall hip function when conservative care is not enough. Here is how we use hip arthroscopy to resolve snapping issues:

Correcting Bony Impingement

We use advanced arthroscopic surgical instruments to reshape bony protrusions at the femoral head-neck junction or along the socket. These irregularities, often seen in cam or pincer lesions, can disrupt the ball-and-socket joint’s movement. By smoothing these areas, we restore a more natural motion pattern and prevent tendons from catching or snapping over a bony prominence.

Releasing Tight Tendons

In cases of internal snapping hip, the iliopsoas tendon may become tight and repeatedly snap over the front of the joint. During arthroscopy, our orthopedic surgeon carefully releases part of this tendon to reduce tension. This helps the tendon move more smoothly and reduces the snapping and discomfort.

Treating Labral Damage

Chronic snapping can repeatedly stress the labrum, the cartilage ring that helps stabilize the hip joint. Over time, this can lead to tearing or fraying. During arthroscopy, we either repair the labrum or perform arthroscopic hip debridement to remove damaged tissue. This helps restore stability, reduce pain, and improve hip mobility.

How Can You Prevent Hip Clicking While Walking?

You can prevent or reduce hip clicking by improving muscle strength, enhancing flexibility, and maintaining controlled, stable movement while walking. When your muscles properly support the joint, there is less unnecessary movement, which helps reduce snapping or clicking sensations over time. Our orthopedic specialist, Dr. Michael K. Shindle, recommends the following strategies to support better hip function and reduce clicking:

• Strengthen your glutes and hip stabilizers to improve joint control
• Stretch tight hip flexors and the iliotibial band (ITB) regularly
• Take shorter, controlled steps to reduce hip strain
• Maintain an upright posture while walking
• Avoid repetitive movements that overwork the hip

What Are the Risks of Ignoring Hip Snapping?

Ignoring hip snapping can lead to ongoing irritation, pain, and loss of normal hip movement over time. With repeated motion, this constant snapping can place stress on the tendons and soft tissues around the joint, leading to bursitis, tendinitis, and stiffness. As this irritation builds, you may start to feel discomfort while walking, sitting, or engaging in daily activities, along with reduced hip flexibility.

However, if the source of snapping is inside the joint, you may also face more serious structural risks, such as:

• Labral Damage: Repeated stress can lead to a tear, causing catching, locking, or sharp pain
• Cartilage Wear: Ongoing friction can damage the joint surface, affecting smooth movement
• Early Osteoarthritis: Joint damage over time can lead to long-term degeneration
• Muscle Imbalances: Compensation can strain nearby muscles and affect the lower back or knees
• Joint Instability: Loss of normal support may increase the risk of further injury

We Can Help You Identify the Cause of Hip Clicking While Walking — Visit Us Now!

Abnormal movement in the hip joint can gradually affect your walking pattern. You may notice uneven steps, reduced stride length, or early fatigue during routine activity. Over time, these subtle changes may also limit your athletic performance and overall mobility. Without proper evaluation, these issues may continue to progress and interfere with your daily function.

At Total Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, Dr. Michael K. Shindle focuses on correcting the underlying cause of persistent hip symptoms. His approach targets the structures responsible for abnormal movement rather than temporary relief. With guided treatment and ongoing monitoring, he helps you restore smooth hip function, reduce irritation, and support long-term joint health. Call 855-321-6784 or visit us at 769 Northfield Ave, Suite LL8, West Orange, NJ.

FAQs