Piriformis Syndrome

DR. ONG KEE LEONG

Piriformis syndrome is a condition which is characterised by spasms and pain located in the buttock region. It is highly treatable with rest and physical therapy. However, if your symptoms persist or worsen, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible.

What Is Piriformis Syndrome?

Piriformis syndrome is a neuromuscular condition when the piriformis muscle (a pear-shaped muscle in the buttocks) compresses the sciatic nerve (a nerve that extends from the lower spine all the way down to the foot). This results in pain in the buttocks and hips.

Signs & Symptoms

Pain in the buttocks (pain may worsen with activity)
Tenderness
Numbness or tingling sensation in your buttocks

Causes

Overuse of the muscles
A direct injury such as a fall or hit
A prolonged period of inactivity (especially if you have a sedentary lifestyle)
Lifting heavy loads

Doctor’s Examination and Diagnosis

A diagnosis of piriformis syndrome may consist of a review of your medical history, exercise background, symptoms experienced as well as a physical examination. The physical assessment will include a range of movements that checks for mobility and signs of pain.

Further imaging tests such as an MRI scan or ultrasound can help to eliminate other hip conditions causing pain.

Treatment

Common treatment options for piriformis syndrome include:

Rest
Alternate ice and heat compressions to relieve symptoms
Over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers such as ibuprofen or naproxen
Physical therapy, which includes simple stretching and strengthening exercises

If symptoms do not subside after performing the above options, the following methods may be required:

Corticosteroid injections
Mild electric current therapies such as iontophoresis or transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator (TENS) treatment can relieve muscle tension and reduce pain.
Surgery. However, this is a last resort and is very rarely used as a treatment option for piriformis syndrome.

Why Do Patients Choose
Dr Ong Kee Leong?

Dr. Ong Is Passionate In Sports, Giving Him A Deep Understanding Of Sports-Related Injuries And How They Can Be Treated
Personalised And Professional Approach To Deliver High-Quality Orthopaedic Care Based On The Most Up-To-Date Literature
Fellowship Trained Surgeon With 15 Years Of Experience In Orthopaedic Conditions
Detailed Aftercare Plan To Ensure Smooth, Long-Term Recovery
Problem-Oriented, Well-Organised & Individualized Treatment Plans Catered To Your Specific Needs
Specialist In The Management Of Sports Injuries & Degenerative Conditions Of Shoulder & Knee Joints
Knowledgeable and pleasant clinical staff to assist you with your every need detailed aftercare plan
Our Care Is Conveniently Accessible At Mount Elizabeth Novena and Farrer Park Hospital
Minimal Waiting Time For Initial Consultation
Assistance With Medical Claims (e.g. Medisave & Integrated Shield Plans)

“At our clinic, we generally try to explore non-surgical treatment such as activities modification, physiotherapy and orthotics before recommending invasive intervention options.”

DR ONG KEE LEONG

About Dr. Ong Kee Leong

Senior Consultant, MBBS (Singapore), MMed (Ortho), FRCSEd (Ortho)

Dr. Ong Kee Leong is a fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon. He subspecializes in shoulder and knee, foot and ankle, hand wrist and elbow surgeries, arthroscopic sports surgery, and the management of sports-related injuries.

He has been registered with the Singapore Medical Council as a specialist in Orthopaedic Surgery since 2011.

MBBS, National University of Singapore (NUS) Faculty of Medicine 2001
Member of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh 2007
Master of Medicine in Orthopaedic Surgery (NUS) 2007
Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh in Orthopaedic Surgery 2011
Health Manpower Development Plan (HMDP) Scholarship, Ministry of Health 2012-2013
Sports Surgery and Arthroscopy in Germany (Hannover)
Adjunct Assistant Professor, Lee Kong Chian School Of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University
Senior Clinical Lecturer, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, NUS

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Billing & Payment

Consultation fees are charged based on length of consultation,
and start from SGD$150 (within 30 minutes).

Modes of Payment

We accept the following modes of payment:

Cash
PayNow & PayLah
All major Credit Cards

If you are insured and would like to use a Letter of Guarantee (LOG) from the major insurers in Singapore, please contact us and our friendly clinic staff will assist you and provide more information if required.

Can I Claim Through My Medisave Account? (For Singaporeans and PR)

Yes, you can. Our Clinic is an accredited day surgery clinic by the Ministry of Health. Singaporeans and Permanent Residents may use their Medisave for eligible orthopaedic inpatient procedures and hospitalizations.

The exact amount would depend on the complexity of the procedure. If you have any enquiries, feel free to speak to our friendly clinic staff about using your Medisave account.

Integrated Shield Plans (Singaporeans and PRs)

Yes, patients who have purchased Integrated Shield plans with riders for co-insurance and deductibles will be able to use them in our clinic for eligible procedures. For more information, contact us to find out if your procedure is claimable.

The 6 Approved Integrated Shield Insurers are: