(Ask for Dr Ong)
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 AppointmentWhat 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 senior consultant orthopaedic surgeon with subspecialty training in shoulder, knee, and arthroscopic sports surgery.
- Completed a fellowship in Germany, gaining focused, hands-on exposure to complex joint conditions beyond the scope of general orthopaedic practice.
- Served as Director of Sports Service at Changi General Hospital, managing a wide range of sports-related injuries in both recreational athletes and national-level competitors before entering private practice.
- Subspecialty focus on shoulder and knee conditions, including arthroscopic (keyhole) surgery.
Hospital & Clinic Affiliations
Dr Ong practises at a clinic in Singapore with access to accredited hospital facilities for surgical procedures. Patients have access to diagnostic imaging (X-ray, MRI, and ultrasound), day surgery facilities for arthroscopic procedures, and structured rehabilitation services.
Please contact the clinic directly for the current practice address, nearest MRT station, and details of affiliated surgical facilities.
Patient Care Philosophy
Dr Ong’s clinical approach is grounded in a single principle: exercise and sports are highly beneficial for long-term health. This reflects a genuine belief that physical activity is central to long-term health, and that the goal of orthopaedic care is to return you to the activities that matter to you, not simply to resolve your imaging findings.
In practice, this means prioritising joint preservation wherever possible. Rather than moving quickly to joint replacement or highly invasive procedures, the focus is on treatments that protect and restore the body’s natural structures.
Every plan is shaped by what you want to do with your body, whether that is returning to competitive sport, running at weekends, or simply walking without pain.
Beyond acute treatment, Dr Ong incorporates injury prevention and load management guidance into his consultations. Understanding why an injury occurred, and how to modify training to reduce the risk of recurrence, is part of the long-term care approach.
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Make An Enquiry
Prefer to talk? Call our clinic directly to make an enquiry at (65) 6884 6788
(Please ask for Dr Ong Kee Leong)
our clinics
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Mt Elizabeth Novena
- 38 Irrawaddy Road #06-59/60/61 Mt Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre Singapore 329563
- klong@sog.sg
- (65) 6884 6788
- (Ask for Dr Ong)
- (65) 9652 5022
-
Mon – Fri : 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sat : 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
other practice locations
Farrer Park Hospital
- 1 Farrer Park Station Road #14-06 Connexion Singapore 217562
- klong@sog.sg
- (65) 6884 6788
- (Ask for Dr Ong)
- (65) 9652 5022
-
Mon – Fri : 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sat : 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Mt Alvernia Medical Centre
- 820 Thomson Road #07-53 Mt Alvernia Medical Centre D Singapore 574623
- klong@sog.sg
- (65) 6884 6788
- (Ask for Dr Ong)
- (65) 9652 5022
-
Mon – Fri : 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sat : 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
"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."
Billing & Payment
Consultation fees are charged based on length of consultation, and start from SGD$200 (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 5 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
- Prudential Assurance Co’s PRUShield
- AXA Shield