There are a few reasons why your hip may click. It is not altogether a bad sign but could be a sign that you may need to see a physio.

               The first reason is a tight hip flexor muscle. Your hip flexor crossed over the pubic joint at the region of the iliopectineal eminence. As your hip moves from a bent and out externally rotated position (think lying on your back and hugging your (R) knee to your (R) shoulder) into a straight position onto the bed it may cause a clicking sensation as the tendon rubs over the bone. Most peopl feel it commonly from laying on their back and raising their (R) leg in a straight knee position and lowering it. A straight leg raise. 

               Generally, the treatment for this is to lengthen and strengthen the hip flexor through physiotherapy and also the surrounding muscles (groin, hip and trunk muscles).

               The second reason is a tight iliotibial band (ITB). This muscle attaches to your larger gluteal (buttock) muscle and also to a muscle called your tensor fascia latae. This muscle can be tight and cause clicking as it flicks across your hip bone (greater trochanter). This bone is easily felt as the bony prominence on the side of your hip, whereas the hip flexor is a little too deep to touch. Muscles are often tight due to a lack of strength and stability in the area causing certain muscles to wind up and help stabilise the region. Often strengthening the gluteal and inner thigh muscles can help with this.
               Hands on treatment and physiotherapy will often help the above 2 problems.

               The third common problem of a clicky hip is an injury to the labrum of your hip. The labrum of your hip is like a skin covering the socket of your hip joint (acetabulum). It helps to provide additional stability, protection and lubrication to your hip joint. Often over time, due to age-related wear and poor biomechanics (movement patterns) this lining can wear down, and can fold into the joint if it is torn. This can cause a click when the hip joint is moved in a certain manner. It is best to see a physiotherapist to diagnose and help with the treatment of this, as often surgery is not needed. Surgery is generally always the last resort, if physiotherapy and other management has failed. 

If you have a clicky hip, come and book in with one of our expert physiotherapists today.

The hip flexor may rub over the bone (iliopectineal eminence) causing a “click

Written by Jonathan Khoo