top of page

Piriformis Syndrome

Updated: Nov 10, 2022


Physiopattern.co.uk

What is Piriformis Syndrome?


Piriformis syndrome is a condition in which the piriformis muscle, located in the buttock area, spasms and that can cause pain in the glutes / buttock region. The piriformis muscle can also irritate the sciatic nerve which is


passing underneath causing numbness , tingling and pain at the back of the leg and into the foot. Those symptoms are similar to sciatic symptoms.




What causes piriformis syndrome?


The most common piriformis syndrome causes are inflammation and swelling on the tissues around piriformis and intense muscle spasm in the actual muscle.


These issues can be a result of:

  • Climbing stairs or running

  • Could be an injury in the hip, buttock or leg after a fall for example

  • Having muscle imbalances

  • Lifting something heavy or lifting something in an awkward angle

  • Doing repetitive movements or exercising too much

  • Sitting on a hard surface for too long