15/04/2022
Piriformis syndrome is a condition in which a tight piriformis muscle compresses against the sciatic nerve, causing symptoms of sciatica into the lower extremity. The sciatic nerve usually exits from the internal pelvic cavity into the buttock/gluteal region between the piriformis and the superior gemellus muscles.
👉 The sciatic nerve passes through the piriformis muscle or above it (between the piriformis and gluteus medius).
💠 Anatomy:-
In anatomic position, the piriformis is a lateral (external) rotator of the thigh at the hip joint, as well as a contralateral rotator of the pelvis at the hip joint. If the thigh is flexed to approximately 60 degrees or more, the piriformis switches from being a lateral rotator to being a medial (an internal) rotator of the thigh, and also becomes a horizontal abductor of the thigh at the hip joint.
💠 Cause:-
🔹Muscle overuse due to excessive workouts
🔸Running for more than the recommended time
🔹Repetitive activities which involve the leg muscles
🔸Sitting for long periods of time without taking any break for stretches or walks
🔹Repeatedly lifting heavy weights
🔸Injury may take place due to a bad fall, any hit to this region during sports, a penetrating wound that extends up to this muscle or a sudden twisting movement of the hip.
💠 Symptoms:-
🔹Numbness or tingling sensations in the saddle area, that may go down to the back of the leg.
🔸Tenderness of soft tissues in the saddle area
🔹The patient is unable to sit comfortably
🔸Pain in the hips and legs that is aggravated during a workout.
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