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Back pain is a common ailment that affects millions of people worldwide. While many associate back pain with issues in the lumbar spine (lower back), there’s a hidden culprit that often goes unnoticed: the sacroiliac (SI) joints.

SI joint dysfunction can cause significant discomfort and impact daily activities. Yet it’s frequently misdiagnosed or overlooked. This blog aims to shed light on this often misunderstood condition, exploring its causes, symptoms, and available treatment options.

Understanding the SI Joints

The SI joints are located on either side of your lower spine, connecting the sacrum (the triangular bone at the base of the spine) to the ilium (the upper part of the pelvis). These joints play a vital role in transferring weight and force between the upper body and the legs. While they have limited mobility, they provide stability and support to the spine and pelvis.

What Is SI Joint Dysfunction?

SI joint dysfunction occurs when there’s an imbalance in the movement of the SI joints. They may become too stiff or too loose, leading to pain and discomfort.

This dysfunction can stem from various factors, including:

• Injury or Trauma:A fall, an accident, or sudden impact can strain or injure the ligaments supporting the SI joints, leading to dysfunction.
• Pregnancy and Childbirth:Hormonal changes and the physical stress of pregnancy and childbirth can affect the SI joints, causing pain and instability.
• Arthritis:Inflammatory conditions like ankylosing spondylitis or osteoarthritis can affect the SI joints, leading to pain and stiffness.
• Leg Length Discrepancy:A difference in leg length can put uneven stress on the SI joints, contributing to dysfunction.
• Overuse or Repetitive Strain:Activities that involve repetitive twisting or bending, as found in certain sports and occupations, can strain the SI joints.

Recognizing the Symptoms

The symptoms of SI joint dysfunction can vary, but they often include:

• Lower Back Pain:Pain is typically felt in the lower back or buttocks and may radiate to the hips, groin, or legs.
• Stiffness:The lower back may feel stiff, especially in the morning or after sitting for a long time.
• Pain with Movement:Pain may worsen with activities that involve twisting, bending, or bearing weight on one leg.
• Tenderness:The area around either or both of the SI joints may be tender to the touch.

Treatment Options

The good news is that several effective treatment options are available for SI joint dysfunction, ranging from conservative approaches to minimally invasive procedures:

• Physical Therapy:A physical therapist can design a personalized exercise program to strengthen the muscles supporting the SI joints, improve flexibility, and correct any biomechanical imbalances.
• Medications:Over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications can help manage pain and reduce inflammation.
• Injections:Corticosteroid injections into an SI joint can provide temporary pain relief by reducing inflammation.
• Radiofrequency Ablation:This minimally invasive procedure uses radio waves to destroy the nerves that transmit pain signals from an SI joint.
• Prolotherapy:This involves injecting a solution into the ligaments surrounding an SI joint to stimulate healing and tighten it.
• SI Joint Fusion:In severe cases, surgical fusion of an SI joint may be necessary to stabilize the joint and eliminate pain.

Put Your Health First

The physicians at Houston Physicians’ Hospital understand the complexities of back pain and the importance of an accurate diagnosis. They provide comprehensive care for individuals with SI joint dysfunction and other spinal conditions. If you suffer from joint pain, visit the Orthopedic Surgeon in League City TX, Center of Excellence to learn more about various conditions and treatment options.

You can then scroll down and find a doctor who’s right for you.

The physicians at Houston Physicians’ Hospital also specialize in treating neck pain, hip pain, knee pain, and shoulder pain.

Knee pain can significantly impact your mobility and quality of life, hindering your ability to engage in activities you enjoy.

One common source of knee pain, particularly among active individuals, is patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). This condition, often referred to as “runner’s knee,” affects the joint between the kneecap (patella) and thighbone (femur).

Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for PFPS is crucial for managing pain and returning to an active lifestyle.

Understanding Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

PFPS occurs when the cartilage under the kneecap becomes irritated or damaged, leading to pain and discomfort. It’s often caused by overuse, muscle imbalances, or misalignment of the kneecap.

Athletes, particularly runners, are prone to PFPS due to the repetitive stress placed on the knee joint during activities like running, jumping, and squatting.

Causes and Risk Factors

Several factors can contribute to the development of PFPS:

• Overuse:Repetitive activities that put stress on the knee joint, such as running, jumping, or squatting, can lead to overuse injuries like PFPS.
• Muscle Imbalances:Weakness or tightness in the muscles surrounding the knee, particularly the quadriceps, hamstrings, and hip muscles, can alter the tracking of the kneecap and increase pressure on the joint.
• Foot Mechanics:Flat feet or high arches can affect the way your foot rolls inward or outward when you walk or run, potentially contributing to PFPS.
• Misalignment:Misalignment of the kneecap, pelvis, or lower leg can increase stress on the patellofemoral joint.
• Previous Injury:A prior knee injury, e.g., a dislocation or ligament tear, can increase the risk of developing PFPS.

Recognizing the Symptoms

The most common symptom of PFPS is pain around or behind the kneecap. This pain may worsen with activities that put stress on the knee, e.g., squatting, kneeling, climbing stairs, or running.

Other symptoms may include:

• Popping or cracking sensations in the knee
• Swelling in the knee
• Stiffness in the knee, especially after sitting for a long time
• Tenderness to touch around the kneecap

Managing and Treating Kneecap Pain

The good news is that PFPS is often treatable with conservative measures. The primary goals of treatment are to reduce pain, improve knee function, and prevent further damage to the joint.

Treatment options may include:

• Rest and Activity Modification:Reducing or avoiding activities that aggravate the pain is crucial for allowing the joint to heal.
• Physical Therapy:A physical therapist can design a personalized exercise program to strengthen the muscles surrounding the knee, improve flexibility, and correct any biomechanical issues.
• Pain Management:Over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatory medications can help manage pain and reduce inflammation.
• Bracing or Taping:Knee braces or taping techniques can help support the kneecap and improve its tracking.
• Orthotics:Custom orthotics can address foot mechanics issues that may contribute to PFPS.

In rare cases, surgery may be considered for severe or persistent PFPS that doesn’t respond to conservative treatment.

Houston Physicians’ Hospital: Your Partner in Knee Pain Treatment

The orthopedic physicians at the Orthopedic Center of Excellence at Houston Physicians Hospital understand the impact that knee pain can have on your life. They’re dedicated to providing comprehensive care for individuals with patellofemoral pain syndrome and other knee conditions.

They offer a range of treatment options, including physical therapy services, knee pain treatment, knee surgery and hip arthritis treatments in Webster TX.

Learn more and find a doctor who’s right for you.