Buttock to leg pain in athletes

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Wednesday, 17 March 2010 14:31

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Piriformis / sciatica in athlets

by Dr Grant Harper

Fat wallet syndrome is no joke

Sciatica is the name for pain in the buttock that radiates down the leg. One possible cause of sciatica is piriformis syndrome. Patients often complain of bizarre symptoms anywhere from LBP (low back pain), groin, buttock, hip pain and even pain in the perineum (nether regions). This article assists you with managing and preventing the condition.

There are three basic components to piriformis syndrome:

Trigger points (or spasm) within the muscle
Nerve and vascular entrapment by the muscle
Joint dysfunction

The exact cause is unknown but it can result from an acute overload such as too much too soon on the bike or pounding the tar during running! Runners who are overpronators are also at risk because the piriformis helps to laterally rotate the thigh during running. Overactive hip flexors are responsible for an imbalance with the glutes. The hamstrings, adductors, and piriformis muscles are forced to perform extra roles they were not designed to do, resulting in overload and injury to the muscle, tendon and surrounding tissue.

It can also result from direct trauma from a fall onto the area, direct pressure from a wallet carried in a back pocket or hard surfaces like a wooden bench or uncomfortable seat.