Leg pain can be frustrating and even scary, especially when it radiates down your thigh or into your calf. Many people immediately assume it must be sciatica, but that’s not always the case. A lesser-known but common condition called sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction can cause very similar symptoms.
Our team at Regenerative Spine and Pain Institute, led by Ronak D. Patel, MD, is here to help you understand the difference so that you can find the right treatment.
Sciatica refers to pain that develops when the sciatic nerve (the longest nerve in your body) becomes irritated or compressed. This often happens because of a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or bone spurs in your lower back.
The hallmark signs of sciatica include:
Symptoms typically follow a predictable pattern along the back of the thigh, calf, or foot.
Your sacroiliac joints connect your spine to your pelvis and absorb shock between your upper body and legs. When these joints become inflamed, unstable, or irritated, the condition is known as SI joint dysfunction.
Symptoms often mimic sciatica but have subtle differences, such as:
Unlike sciatica, SI joint dysfunction doesn’t involve nerve compression. Instead, the pain stems from joint inflammation or misalignment.
While both conditions can cause lower back and leg pain, key distinctions include:
Sciatica often travels below the knee, while SI joint pain usually stops at the thigh.
Sitting or coughing worsens sciatica, while standing or walking may worsen SI joint pain.
SI joint dysfunction often creates pain directly over the joint, near the dimple-like area at the base of your spine.
Dr. Patel can perform a physical exam and imaging tests, such as MRI or X-rays, to provide an accurate diagnosis.
At Regenerative Spine and Pain Institute, we can treat both conditions. We have multiple treatment options, which may include physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, targeted injections (such as sacroiliac joint injections), or lifestyle adjustments to reduce strain. We offer regenerative medicine, too. The proper treatment depends on the true source of your pain.
If you’ve been struggling with persistent leg or back pain, don’t self-diagnose. Schedule an evaluation at our practice today. We’ll help you find the cause and the best solution for you so you can get back to living without constant discomfort.
Call our friendly office staff at 609-269-4451 to visit one of our offices in Plainsboro Township, Manalapan, or Freehold, New Jersey, or click here to book online now.
