SI Joint and Pelvic Conditions & Treatment

Pelvis and Sacroiliac Joint Anatomy

The body has two SI joints, one on each side of the pelvis. Each joint connects the sacrum, the bony section above the tailbone, to the ilium, the wing-shaped upper part of the pelvis. Together, these joints help transfer weight to the legs and support your upper body when you are standing.

Although SI joints move only slightly, that small amount of motion helps with walking and bending. Hormonal changes during pregnancy allow for additional movement to prepare for childbirth.

Common SI Joint and Pelvic Conditions

Sacroiliac joint dysfunction is an umbrella term for impaired function of the SI joints. It may be caused by:

Arthritis: Arthritis is a group of conditions that can cause joint swelling, stiffness and pain. Some types of damage the cartilage that cushions the ends of bones.
Inflammation: Soft tissues, such as ligaments and muscles, can become damaged or inflamed due to a medical condition or overuse.
Trauma: Sports injuries, falls and car accidents can damage the ligaments that support the SI joint.
Hormones: Some people experience SI joint pain during pregnancy and after childbirth due to ongoing pelvic joint stress, prior injury, altered biomechanics or other individual factors. For some patients, the pain persists after childbirth.
Genetic conditions: People with joints that extend too far may be at risk of joint injury. Certain genetic conditions can also contribute to atypical gait, unequal leg length or spinal abnormalities, all of which may affect SI joint function and increase strain.
Sacroiliitis: This inflammatory condition can affect one or both joints, causing pain and stiffness.
Ankylosing spondylitis: Ankylosing spondylitis can cause chronic inflammation in the SI joints and spine, often leading to stiffness and pain. Severe cases may cause the vertebrae to fuse.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Depending on the SI joint condition, symptoms may include:

Pain in the lower back, pelvis and buttocks, sometimes radiating to the legs and feet.
Pain that gets worse with standing, sleeping, sitting, running or climbing stairs.
Stiffness in the pelvis or lower back.
Difficulty walking, standing or sitting for a long time.

SI joint dysfunction may be diagnosed through a medical history review, physical examination and sometimes SI joint injections, which can also be used as a treatment. Imaging studies can also be used to rule out other conditions.

Conservative Treatment Options

Physical therapy may help strengthen the muscles that support the SI joints, improve stability, and increase range of motion. Depending on your diagnosis, your provider may recommend rest, a sacroiliac belt for added stability, pain management or targeted injections.

In cases where your joint pain does not respond to conservative treatment, your orthopedic provider may recommend surgery.

Why Trust Fondren Orthopedic Group With Your SI Joint and Pelvic Pain?

Fondren Orthopedic Group is one of the largest associations of private orthopedic practitioners in the Houston area. Here is what makes us stand out:

Specialization: With more than 40 surgeons practicing across 10 subspecialties, our team can address a wide range of medical needs using advanced techniques and equipment.

Personalized care: We work to empower patients with education. Because our surgeons work closely across subspecialties, patients can benefit from coordinated care, personalized treatment plans and timely recommendations.

Recognized care: Fondren Orthopedic Group has earned the Houston Chronicle Best of the Best designation for five consecutive years. Many of our doctors are recognized as Super Doctors, a distinction based on peer recognition and professional achievement. Across Houston, colleges, high schools and professional sports teams choose us as their team orthopedic surgeons.

Contact Fondren Orthopedic Group to Address Pelvic and Lower Back Pain

Trust the board-certified, sub-specialized orthopedic surgeons at Fondren to diagnose your condition and provide a tailored treatment plan. Schedule your appointment online today.

Where Does It Hurt?

SI Joint

Pelvis and Sacroiliac Joint Anatomy

Common SI Joint and Pelvic Conditions

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Conservative Treatment Options

Why Trust Fondren Orthopedic Group With Your SI Joint and Pelvic Pain?

FAQs

Contact Fondren Orthopedic Group to Address Pelvic and Lower Back Pain

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