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Don’t let SI joint pain slow you down

Symptoms and Treatment of SI Joint Pain in Runners

As a runner you want to cross the finish line - no matter if it is an important race or mile stone within your training routine. Suddenly you feel pain on your hip or lower back area close to your tailbone. Running feels tight and less fluid. Then you may be dealing with sacroiliac (SI) joint pain or SI joint dysfunction. Try Bauerfeind's SacroLoc SI joint belt for stability, relief and protection from recurring excessive strain to get you back to your training routine.

Symptoms: What does SI joint pain feel like?

Most runners describe SI joint pain symptoms as stabbing or dull lower back pain mostly on one side sometimes radiating in the glutes or thigh. While SI joint pain can generally be treated at home, you should see a physician if you had an accident or feel tingling in your limbs.

Hip Anatomy Image

SI Joint Anatomy

Two sacroiliac (SI) joints connecting the triangular bone of the lower back (sacrum) with your pelvis (ilia). The joints are secured with strong ligaments to support the area.

What causes SI joint pain in runners?

While running the muscles and joints absorb shock. Biomechanical differences in posture or gait while running, injuries or loose ligaments post-partum might be one of many reasons of SI joint issues during or after runs.

  • Leg length discrepancy
  • Overstriding
  • A fall on the buttocks
  • Unexpectedly stepping into a hole or off a curb
  • Tight hip rotator muscles
  • Pregnancy and child birth
  • Stress fracture of the hip

Treatment

We know how hard it can be to give up your running routine for a while especially when you are training for an important race. Depending on the underlying cause of your SI joint pain you can get back to running soon. The first course of action is usually over-the-counter pain relievers, icing as well as gentle stretching and strengthening exercise. Foam rolling can help to mobilize tight hip rotators. Pool running and swimming are effective ways to cross train. Bauerfeind's SacroLoc brace supports and stabilizes your hip for effective SI joint relief to get you back on track.

SacroLoc Back Brace

The best SI joint belt for running – stabilizes and relieves your sacroiliac joint.

SacroLoc provides targeted pain-relief with circular compression and two height-adjustable massage pads. The SI joint brace is easy to put on due to Velcro fastening with finger loops. The mesh-like knit is extra breathable and low-profile for extra comfort while running.


This information is provided for general information purposes and should not be relied on as a substitute for medical advice, evaluation or care from a qualified and licensed health care provider. The information contained here is not to be considered a plan of care of physical therapy.