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DR. ONG KEE LEONG

Piriformis Syndrome

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.

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DR. ONG KEE LEONG

Piriformis Syndrome

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.

Book Appointment

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

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.

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.

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
  • Detailed Aftercare Plan To Ensure Smooth, Long-Term Recovery
  • Fellowship Trained Surgeon With 15 Years Of Experience In Orthopaedic Conditions
  • Problem-Oriented, Well-Organised and Individualized Treatment Plans Catered To Your Specific Needs
  • Specialist In The Management Of Sports Injuries And Degenerative Conditions Of The Shoulder And Knee Joints
  • Knowledgeable And Pleasant Clinical Staff To Assist You With Your Every Need Detailed Aftercare Plan To Ensure
  • 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)

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
Awards & Teaching
  • Dr. Ong had received numerous awards such as Best Service and Eastern Health Alliance Caring (Gold) Awards.
  • He also has an interest in clinical research and has written papers in multiple peer-review journals. As a Core Faculty of Singhealth Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Program, he oversees the training of junior orthopaedic surgeons.
  • Regularly invited to teach local and regional surgeons in Shoulder and Knee Surgery Courses.
  • He is a recipient of multiple teaching awards including the Singhealth Residency Outstanding Faculty Awards from 2014-2016 and Changi General Hospital Outstanding Educator Awards 2015-2016.

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    "Moving your body the way nature intended is a freedom not well appreciated until it is lost. We are passionate about getting you back in the game, and staying in the game. Our team is fully committed to returning you to the life and activities you love."

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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:

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    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:

    • NTUC Income’s IncomeShield and Enhanced IncomeShield
    • American International Assurance International Co’s (AIA) HealthShield Gold
    • Great Eastern Life Assurance Co’s SupremeHealth and SupremeHealth Plus
    • Aviva Ltd’s MyShield
    • Prudential Assurance Co’s PRUShield
    • AXA Shield
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