Sports Injuries

The piriformis muscle extends to the top of the femur around the sciatic nerve. The femur, as previously mentioned, is the large bone in the upper leg. The piriformis muscle functions by helping the thigh move from side to side. A piriformis muscle spasm, or any other type of injury and/or condition along the piriformis muscle, can place pressure on the sciatic nerve and cause pain and discomfort. The result is piriformis syndrome.

Piriformis Syndrome Causes and Symptoms

Sciatic nerve pain, or sciatica, is one of the most prevalent symptoms of piriformis syndrome. The pain and discomfort, however, may be felt in another part of the body. This is known as referred pain. Other common symptoms of piriformis syndrome include tingling sensations and numbness; tenderness; difficulty sitting along with pain while sitting and pain in the buttocks and thighs with physical activities.

The piriformis muscle can easily become damaged or injured from periods of inactivity or an excessive amount of exercise. Some common causes of piriformis syndrome include overuse; repetitive movements involving the legs; sitting for lengthy periods of time; lifting heavy objects; and extensive stair climbing. Sports injuries or automobile accident injuries can also harm the piriformis muscle and cause it to compress the sciatic nerve.

Sciatica is generally described as a set of symptoms, primarily characterized by pain and discomfort, along with tingling sensations and numbness. Athletes frequently report experiencing symptoms of sciatica, however, there are many factors as well as a variety of injuries and conditions which can manifest these well-known symptoms. Piriformis syndrome is a disorder that is frequently confused with symptoms of sciatica.

The piriformis muscle is commonly known among athletes and healthcare professionals as a significant muscle in the posterior hip. This muscle functions to control hip joint rotation and abduction and it is also a distinguishable muscle due to its inversion of action in rotation. The piriformis muscle also raises awareness as the various causes of piriformis syndrome, a condition suspected to be a potential source of pain and dysfunction, not only in athletes, but in the general population as well.