1. What is it?
Sacroiliac joint syndrome involves dysfunction of the joint that is located between the sacrum and the ilium (hip bone). This joint normally has a small amount of movement that is required for proper mobility and is crucial for the transfer of weight from the trunk to the pelvis. Usually the dysfunction occurs as a loss of mobility within the joint itself, but can also involve a sprain injury to the ligaments that hold the sacrum and ilium together.
2. What are the causes/predisposing factors of injury?
Generally, this joint can be injured by too much backward bending (hyperextension), or if there is an overpronation problem with the foot that causes the joint to rotate posteriorly and become fixated (stuck). A flat foot can cause this too.
3. What are the symptoms?
Symptoms consist of a dull ache over the joint that can become sharp with backward bending. Referred pain that is dull in nature and can be felt in the thigh and down the back of the leg even into the foot is sometimes present.
4. What can be done to prevent or treat this injury?
Prevention should start with appropriate footwear to reduce overpronation if this is a factor. Most people are unaware if they have a functional problem with this joint, so an evaluation should be done if you fit the injury pattern as described above. Assessment of sacroiliac joint function involves specific orthopedic and palpatory testing that is usually done by chiropractors or those well versed in orthopedics.
Treatment of choice involves specific manipulation of the joint fixation to allow normal mobility and to the restore proper biomechanical and neurological function to the area. Inflammation or irritation of the area can be addressed with ice, anti-inflammatories and ultrasound. Rehabilitation that focuses on abdominal training and spinal-postural exercises are also used. Of note, I usually find an associated tight iliotibial band problem as part of this entity which must also be looked after.
I have been experiencing hip pain for more than 3 months now due to running. I am now 36, have been running for only 1 year and have run one marathon and two half-marathons. I had hip pain before the last half-marathon and then experienced difficulty when stretching that emphasized to me that something was wrong. I can no longer sit “Indian style” or drop my knee to the ground in another stretch. They’ve always laid flat before.
My chiropractor has been working with me and I’ve recently seen a D.O. He first took and x-ray and had me lay off running for 2 weeks due to a stress fracture in my right tibia. After the 2 weeks off and no real improvement in the hip, the D.O. had an MRI done. That showed nothing as well. He eventually diagnosed “hip strain/sprain”. He mentioned that my hip clicks when he maneuvers it.
The pain is a sharp, jabbing pain that suprises me. It does not hurt to run or walk but “comes out of no where” when I turn this way or that. Getting into the car, getting into bed, uncrossing my legs, scooting something aside with my foot, etc. have all been movements that have sent me writhing in pain. I am very discouraged by my lack of improvement and very ansy to get back to running.
My question to you is “what do I do now” and can a “hip strain/sprain” cause these jabbing pains? What exactly is going on and will it get worse with running and better without or is it something I just have to deal with?
Thank you for your time and suggestions. Rachel P