Pain in the buttock that radiates down the leg is commonly called sciatica. The most common cause for sciatica is irritation of the spinal nerves in or near the lumbar spine. Sometimes the nerve irritation is not in the spine but further down the leg. One possible cause of sciatica is piriformis syndrome. Piriformis syndrome can be painful, but it is seldom dangerous and rarely leads to the need for surgery. Most people with this condition can reduce the pain and manage the problem with simple methods, such as physical therapy.
Causes
- Spasm of piriformis muscle
- Fall on buttocks can cause injury of piriformis muscle
- Irritation of sciatica due to pririformis tightening
Symptoms
- A dull ache in the buttock.
- Pain down the back of the thigh, calf, and foot (sciatica)
- Pain when walking up stairs or inclines.
- Increased pain after prolonged sitting.
- Reduced range of motion of the hip joint.
Treatment
Nonsurgical Treatment
- Rest
- Postural correction
- Avoid weight wearing
- Avoid foreword bending
- Medication
- Back support or corsets , belts
- Physiotherapy
Surgery
- Cut the piriformis tendon
- Posterior fusion with or without instrumentation
- Cut through the piriformis muscle to take pressure off the sciatic nerve