Clicking in left hip joint

[vava2008]

I recently noticed that with certain movements I would feel a clicking sensation in my left hip joint. Also, if I hold my hand on my hip when walking, I can feel a click with every step on the outside of the hip. I wouldn't describe it as sore, but it can be uncomfortable at times.

I have been doing a lot of road running recently to train for a marathon, and I am worried that the clicking is as a result of wear caused by the running. I have stopped training until I find out what the problem is, so any help with this would be much appreciated.

[Heidi]

Hi,

That sounds like something called 'snapping hip'. This occurs when the ITB (Ilio-Tibial Band, a long, thick piece of fibrous connective tissue which runs down the outside of the thigh) flicks backwards and forwards over the greater trochanter (sticky out bit of the femur!).

When the hip is straight the ITB attachment is behind the greater trochanter. When you bend your hip (to lift the foot off the ground) it flicks across to be in front of the trochanter.

Usually it is painless, just irritating. Treatment involves loosening the ITB, which is naturally a tight structure but can become excessively tight, causing problems at the knee and hip. If left untreated and the repetitive motion continues, this can trigger bursitis in the hip.

Have a look at this page to fond out how to stretch the ITB. Sports massage is great for this too, although beware, it is painful!

http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/cybertherapist/front/knee/runnersknee/stretching.php

[db4200]

The symptom described could be 'Perthes Disease'? Does the joint feel hot to touch, or warmer than the other hip joint? I am now 65, but 40 years ago I was doing exactly the same as you, running and feeling the same clicking and pain. When examined and x-ray and it turned out I had had an undetected mild form of Perthes as a child. You should get yourself tested for this, if only to exclude the possibility. The solution, if so, is to stop stressing the joint, and take up swimming, or any other non-impact exercise instead.