Sacroiliitis

What Is Sacroiliitis?

Sacroiliitis is when one or both of the sacroiliac (SI) joints become inflamed. These joints are located where the lower spine connects to the pelvis. They support the weight of your upper body and help absorb shock when you move. When the SI joints are inflamed, they can cause pain in nearby areas, such as your hips, thighs, and buttocks, and less commonly even down into your legs.

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How Sacroiliitis Causes Hip or Leg Pain

When the sacroiliac joints are inflamed, the pain may radiate along the nerves in your lower back and pelvis, creating discomfort in areas beyond the SI joints themselves. Here’s how sacroiliitis typically presents:

1. Hip Pain

• Pain from sacroiliitis often feels like deep, aching discomfort in the hip region.
• It may worsen when standing, climbing stairs, or putting weight on one leg.

2. Leg Pain

• Some patients experience pain radiating down the back of the leg, which may mimic sciatica.
• Unlike true sciatica, leg pain from sacroiliitis is usually caused by nerve irritation stemming from the inflamed joint rather than nerve compression.

3. Stiffness and Limited Mobility

• Stiffness in the hips, pelvis, or lower back is a common symptom, making movement difficult.

4. Worsened Pain with Activity

• Activities like walking, running, or sitting for prolonged periods can exacerbate sacroiliitis.

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Common Causes of Sacroiliitis

Several factors can lead to sacroiliitis, including:

• Injury or Trauma: Falls, car accidents, or sports injuries that impact the pelvis or lower back.
• Pregnancy: Extra weight and changes in posture caused during pregnancy can strain the SI joints.
• Arthritis: Conditions like osteoarthritis or ankylosing spondylitis often contribute to inflammation in the SI joints.
• Overuse: Repeated heavy lifting or high-impact exercises can wear down the SI joints over time.
• Infections: In rare cases, bacterial or viral infections can inflame the SI joints.

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Diagnosing Sacroiliitis

Accurately diagnosing sacroiliitis is essential to creating an effective treatment plan. At Brazos Valley Pain Specialists, Dr. Anderson uses a combination of approaches to identify the source of your pain:

1. Comprehensive Medical History

• Understanding when your pain began, its location, and any previous injuries or conditions that may contribute to sacroiliitis.

2. Physical Examination

• Tests to assess tenderness, mobility, and pain triggers in the hips, pelvis, and lower back.

3. Imaging Tests

• X-rays to check for arthritis or structural issues in the SI joints.
• MRI or CT scans to identify inflammation, damage, or other abnormalities.

4. Diagnostic Injections

• A local anesthetic injection directly into the SI joint can confirm whether it’s the source of your pain.

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Treatment Options for Sacroiliitis

At Brazos Valley Pain Specialists, Dr. Anderson offers personalized, evidence-based treatments to relieve pain and improve mobility.

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Conservative Treatments

1. Medications

• Anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling and pain in the SI joints.
• Muscle relaxers may be prescribed for stiffness or spasms.

2. Physical Therapy

• Strengthening and stretching exercises to stabilize the pelvis and improve joint mobility.
• Core-strengthening routines can help reduce stress on the SI joints.

3. Lifestyle Modifications

• Avoiding high-impact activities, improving posture, and using ergonomic seating can prevent further strain.

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Interventional Procedures

1. SI Joint Injections

• Corticosteroid injections directly into the joint reduce inflammation and pain.

2. Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)

• This minimally invasive procedure uses heat to block nerve signals and provide long-term pain relief.

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Advanced Treatment Options

1. Regenerative Medicine

• Emerging treatments like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy may promote healing in the SI joints.

2. Surgical Interventions

• In severe cases where conservative treatments fail, a minimally invasive sacroiliac joint fusion may be recommended.

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Why Choose Dr. Jared Anderson for Sacroiliitis Care?

Dr. Jared Anderson’s expertise in pain management and rehabilitation makes him a trusted provider for patients in Brenham and the greater Brazos Valley region. His patient-centered approach ensures that you receive care tailored to your unique needs.

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Take Control of Your Pain Today

If hip or leg pain is limiting your daily activities, it’s time to take action. Sacroiliitis is a manageable condition, and you don’t have to endure it alone. At Brazos Valley Pain Specialists, Dr. Anderson offers advanced diagnostic tools and cutting-edge treatments to help you find relief.

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Don’t wait to get back to living your best life! Schedule your appointment with Dr. Anderson in Brenham, Texas, today.

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FAQs

1. How is sacroiliitis different from sciatica?

Sacroiliitis is caused by inflammation in the SI joints, while sciatica is caused by compression or irritation  of the sciatic nerve.

2. What are the most common symptoms of sacroiliitis?

Symptoms include pain in the hips, lower back, or less commonly legs, stiffness, and difficulty with mobility.

3. How long does it take to recover from sacroiliitis?

Recovery time varies. But often improves with treatment in weeks to months.

4. Are SI joint injections painful?

SI joint injections are typically well-tolerated and can provide significant relief within days.

5. How can I schedule an appointment with Dr. Anderson?

Call Brazos Valley Pain Specialists or click here to book your consultation.

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