23/11/2022
Piriformis syndrome is a condition in which the piriformis muscle, located in the buttock region, spasms and causes buttock pain. The piriformis muscle also can irritate the nearby sciatic nerve and cause pain, numbness and tingling along the back of the leg and into the foot (similar to sciatic pain).
Symptoms
📍A dull ache in the buttock
📍Pain down the back of the thigh, calf and foot (sciatica)
📍Pain when walking up stairs or inclines
📍Increased pain after prolonged sitting
📍Reduced range of motion of the hip joint
Causes
📍Muscle spasm in the piriformis muscle, either because of irritation in the muscle itself or irritation of a nearby structure such as the sacroiliac joint or hip
📍Tightening of the muscle, in response to injury or spasm
📍Swelling of the piriformis muscle, due to injury or spasm
Treatment
📍Physical therapy: Range-of-motion exercises and deep massage
📍Ice packs and ice massage
📍Heat therapy
📍Medications: anti-inflammatory medications (such as ibuprofen or naproxen) to reduce the swelling that is usually contributing to the patient's pain
