Injury advice > Buttock Injuries > Piriformis Syndrome

Piriformis Syndrome

What is the Piriformis Muscle?

This is a small muscle deep in the buttocks that helps rotate the leg outwards. It runs from the base of the spine and attaches to the thigh bone (femur) roughly where the outside crease in your bum is. The sciatic nerve runs very close to this muscle and sometimes even through it!

Pain can be caused if the muscle becomes tight and places pressure on the sciatic nerve (sciatica).

The most common cause of Piriformis syndrome is when the adductor muscles (inside your thigh) get tight. This means the abductors on the outside cannot work properly and so put more strain on the Piriformis.

Useful Products:

  • Heat Therapy - apply heat therapy to relieve pain and relax muscles.

Please see the Virtual Sports Injury Clinic for more information on how to treat Piriformis Syndrome