Features of sacroiliac joint pain are non-specific. That is, they often mimic symptoms typical of pain caused by lumbar facet joints, hip joints and discs. However, the presence of prominent pain over the sacroiliac joint is present in 80% of people with primary sacroiliac joint pain.
Sacroiliac pain is a classical, deep, and aching in character and may refer with a deep, dull, ache across the buttocks and into the lower legs. Referred pain from the sacroiliac joint and ligaments can reach the foot. A history of a fall onto the buttocks is common.
When studied, sacroiliac joint pain pattern is predominantly in the buttock and present there in 94% of cases. It refers to the thigh in 48%, lower leg 28%, foot and ankle 13%, groin 14% and abdominally in 2% of patients.1