Piriformis Syndrome
Pain in the buttock and leg caused by the piriformis muscle compressing the sciatic nerve.
What is Piriformis Syndrome?
Piriformis Syndrome is literally a pain in the butt. The piriformis is a small muscle deep in the buttocks. When it gets tight or spasms, it can irritate or compress the sciatic nerve, causing pain, tingling, or numbness that shoots down the leg (similar to sciatica from a disc issue).
Causes
- Weak Glutes: When the big glute muscles don't do their job, the small piriformis has to overwork.
- Sitting: Prolonged sitting can tighten the muscle.
- Overuse: Sudden increase in mileage.
Relief
- Stretching: Figure-4 stretch (pigeon pose).
- Massage: Sitting on a tennis ball or lacrosse ball to release the trigger point.
- Strengthening: Clamshells and glute bridges.
Piriformis Syndrome
Explore more at
RunningSlang.com
Related Terms
Glutes
The gluteal muscles (buttocks), serving as the primary engine and stabilizer for running.
ITB Syndrome (Iliotibial Band Syndrome)
A common overuse injury causing sharp pain on the outer knee, often called "the runner's curse" for its stubbornness.
Runner's Knee
A common overuse injury causing pain around or behind the kneecap, officially called patellofemoral pain syndrome.
Injury & Anatomy
Know a term we missed?
Help us grow the dictionary by submitting new running terms or slang.
Submit a Term