“Why does my hip crack every time I move?”

You have what sounds like a snapping hip. This can be from irritation of one of the hip tendons (Psoas Muscle), inflammation of the joint, bony spurs, loose joint and the list goes on. Most common is the psoas and inflammation of the tendon. Good physical therapy will often aid in getting rid of this. Sometimes Steroid injections. Rarely surgery. Good luck.

It can be normal, but it also can be a sign of something wrong. This can be due to a few different reasons. First of all if the popping is not associated with pain then there is usually no cause for concern. The popping can be from the IT band which is the long flat fascia muscle that extends from the hip down to your knee. It can also be due to snapping of the hip joint itself from the labrum. The labrum is a cartilage ring around the hip socket. It’s usually associated with pain and catching in the joint. It’s usually diagnosed on exam and an MRI of the hip.

There are several reasons your hip could be cracking. It may just be a normal physiologic release of nitric oxide from your hip joint as you move. This would be non-painful. If it produces pain or discomfort, it may be a problem within the hip, such as a tear in the labrum or a ligament called the ligamentum teres. It could also be a condition called internal snapping hip syndrome where the hip flexor tendon (iliopsoas) snaps over the bony pelvis outside the hip joint. Either way, if it's painful, you should see an orthopedic surgeon, preferably a hip specialist. If it is non-painful, then it's likely physiologic.

Steven M. DeLuca, DO

Your hip may crack depending upon the movement of the hip, muscle friction, or arthritis.

Its a tendon snapping over a bony bump. Don't worry about it unless it becomes painful. If it does, see and Orthopaedic Doc.