Sacroiliitis
Sacroiliitis is an inflammation of one or both of the sacroiliac joints, which connect the pelvis to the sacrum. The sacrum and the iliac bones are held together by a collection of strong ligaments allowing relatively little motion at the sacroiliac joints. With sacroiliitis, even slight movements can cause discomfort or pain.
Symptoms:
- Pain in the lower back, thighs, groin, or buttocks
- Pain worsens with standing or walking and improves when lying down
- Inflammation in one or both legs
- Limping
- Decreased lumbar or hip range of motion
- Pain with prolonged sitting
- Pain during split leg positions
- Pain with hiking or climbing stairs
Common causes:
- Traumatic injury - an accident or fall affecting the spine, lower back, pelvis or buttocks
- Degenerative arthritis (osteoarthritis) - degeneration of the sacroiliac joints
- Pregnancy - the pelvis stretches to accommodate childbirth, then can realign asymmetrically following delivery
- Infection
- Improper stretching
- Jarring movements to the hip or pelvis such as while jumping and landing hard on the heel, or kicking
- Gait deviations
- Asymmetrical standing or seated position
- Poor posture
- Muscle imbalances
- Improper ergonomics
- Improper lifting mechanics
Risk Factor:
- Injury or trauma to the spine, pelvis, or buttocks
- Gender- more often occurs with women
- Urinary tract infection - the infection may spread from the urinary tract to the sacroiliac joints
- Pregnancy - pelvic bones expand in preparation for childbirth and may inflame the area around the sacroiliac joints
- Work or sport which involve awkward or extreme hip positions (gymnastics, martial arts)