Sacroiliac Joint Pain

[VS1955]

Hi allI had a fall on a wet marble floor which I think started this off. I also have osteoarthritis in my lumbar spine, so this is quite painful & stiff first thing of a morning, but I can cope with this once I start moving and take my medication (Naproxen). The sacroiliac pain starts once I've been standing for about 10 mins, it's really painful & feels like sharp knife turning with intense burning pain, my lower back goes numb and so do both my feet, I have to sit before I fall over, it's a horrible sensation. I've been doing clamshell exercises morning & evening in the hopes it will strengthen my back and alleviate some of this pain. Anyone else got this?? How do you cope? I'm on a waiting list to see pain clinic and also muscoskeletal at local hospital, I'm hoping for cortisone injection, but until then I need to try other stuff that might help.

[CatsandCars]

I'm sorry you're suffering like this, although it's great that you can take naproxen. I had sacroiliac joint pain just flare up by itself without an injury. I can't take NSAIDS, but icing the area helped a lot. Based on what you're describing, I personally would consider going to emergency because you've injured yourself and you're having severe pain. Sometimes those of us who live with lot of pain just soldier on out of habit, but you don't know how badly you may have been hurt. Anyway, try the ice, and I really hope you get some relief soon!

[VS1955 in reply to CatsandCars]

Thanks for replying, I've booked a private MRI to see what's going on down there, can't wait any longer, will see what it says then go from there x

[CatsandCars in reply to VS1955]

That's good. I hope everything's okay, you know, besides the horrible pain. I hope you feel better.

[CernCrystal]

Hi I've pain there too that I have to manage, (I'm 63). Currently not on meds unless I spasm with pain but do take HRT to support osteoarthritis and osteoporosis. (For me a huge positive difference). In Feb I started swimming (local pool has senior sessions which are wonderful and relaxed, and I bought a fab swim suit with shorts on it so I feel really comfortable) and I do swimming and exercises in the water which has really helped. I have also recently started exploring Qi Gong which is helping too - on you tube there is a chap called Lee holden and he has short 10 minute exercises plus various exercises for lower back, arthritis etc - worth exploring. If I feel a pain spasm coming on now, I've found that sitting and pushing my shoulder blades up and together and holding for 5 sec, doing several times, can really help (if I do it early enough). A good physio may also help but I ended up giving up on their exercises as it seemed to worsen things, I've found my own way experimenting and talking to others (senior swim sessions were a gold mine of information from lovely people). Best of luck with sorting it.

[Konagirl60]

Symptoms of burning and numbness signal a nerve injury/ inflammation to me. The fact your feet are numb may mean your tibial nerve is damaged; it’s a terminal branch of your sciatic nerve. Have you seen a physiotherapist for an assessment? It could be you upset your sciatic nerve.

I hope the MRI is fruitful but they don’t image nerves well.

Can you see a neurologist? Some Gabapentin or Amytriptyline may help if the nerve(s) aren’t being compressed.

Keep us posted. Keep calm and I pray you get answers and good care.

[VS1955 in reply to Konagirl60]

Many thanks! Not that easy here in UK to see specialist doctors unless you pay big bucks. Our NHS system is on its knees at the moment and it's long waiting lists to get any treatment 😞 I've paid for my MRI so hoping at least to get some answers. My foot numbness only occurs when standing or sitting, my back starts to burn/stab then my feet go numb... so definitely sounds like a compression of sorts, if I could do specific exercises to help this then I'd be happy... I'm currently doing some to strengthen my back but don't know if I'm doing right or wrong for this horrible condition. We're going on a lovely holiday to Barbados in 4 weeks and I'm desperate to get some help... 😊

[Konagirl60 in reply to VS1955]

I’d see a physiotherapist stat. You need some answers before you travel. Can you access one easily?

I recommend you buy a pair of orthopaedic shoes or sandals to give your legs and feet the best support possible.

[VS1955 in reply to Konagirl60]

Yes I can see a private physio..... what sort of questions do I need to ask? Just explain my symptoms?

[Konagirl60 in reply to VS1955]

Yes, explain your symptoms and ask if there is anything he or she can recommend. ( take home exercises )

[VS1955 in reply to Konagirl60]

Thanks so much, will do x