Why Do My Hips Click?

Have you ever noticed your hip clicking when you walk, run, squat, or get up from a chair? For many people, this sensation is painless and simply an occasional annoyance. For others, a clicking hip can be linked to discomfort, stiffness, or pain that interferes with daily life.

At Tugun Osteopathy, we often see patients who are worried about their hips making unusual sounds. Here’s what might be happening and when it’s worth seeking professional support.

Common Causes of Clicking Hips

1. Tight Muscles or Tendons

   The most common cause of clicking hips is tension in the muscles and tendons around the joint. The iliotibial band (ITB) or hip flexors can snap over the hip bones during movement, creating that familiar clicking or popping sound.

 2. Labral Tear

   The hip joint has a ring of cartilage called the labrum, which helps keep the joint stable. A hip labral tear can cause clicking, catching, or locking sensations, often accompanied by pain or stiffness.

3. Hip Joint Changes

   Early signs of hip osteoarthritis or other structural changes in the joint can sometimes cause clicking, particularly if there’s reduced joint space or bony changes.

4. Snapping Hip Syndrome

   Also known as coxa saltans, this condition describes a repetitive snapping or clicking in the hip. It’s often seen in athletes, dancers, and runners.

When to See an Osteopath for Clicking Hips

Occasional, painless clicking is usually not a cause for concern. However, you should consider seeing an osteopath for hip pain if you notice:

• Clicking accompanied by pain in the hip or groin

• Restricted movement or stiffness in the hip joint

• The hip locking or giving way

• Pain with exercise, sitting, or sleeping

 An osteopath can assess the underlying cause through a hands-on examination, check your movement patterns, and provide treatment to improve mobility, reduce muscle tension, and support hip stability.

 How Osteopathy Can Help

At our clinic, treatment for hip clicking and pain may include:

• Gentle manual therapy to improve hip joint mobility

• Soft tissue techniques to release tight hip flexors, glutes, and ITB

• Tailored rehabilitation exercises to strengthen the hips and core

• Advice on posture, training load, and lifestyle factors that affect hip health

Our goal is not just to relieve symptoms but to help you move with confidence and prevent future flare-ups.

While a clicking hip joint is often harmless, persistent symptoms or hip pain should not be ignored. Osteopathic care provides a safe, holistic way to understand and treat the root cause, so you can keep moving freely.

 If you’ve been wondering, “Why do my hips click?” and you’d like a professional opinion, book an appointment with our osteopathy team today.