Piriformis Syndrome
In a rare condition the piriformis muscle compresses the Sciatic nerve, causing pain in the buttocks and lower limbs along the path of the Sciatic nerve.
The primary symptom is sciatica type pain in the buttock and the legs. Additional symptoms may involve,
- Dull ache or pain in the buttock
- Pain that increases when sitting for prolonged periods
- Pain that affects just one side of the body
- Pain that is relieved by walking with the foot on the affected side pointing outward
- Pain that gets worse with physical activity
Tingling or numbness along the back of the leg
Causes
It is a neuromuscular disorder and can be caused by the following conditions.
- Anatomical variations that place the piriformis muscle abnormally close to the sciatic nerve
- Muscle swelling caused by overuse or strain
- Muscle swelling caused by muscle spasms due to the pinching of the S1 nerve
Trauma such as a fall or the sudden twisting of the hip that injures the piriformis muscle
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