Piriformis syndrome affects the sciatic nerve due to compression by the piriformis muscle located deep in the buttock. Common symptoms include tingling, numbness, and burning sensations in the thigh and foot, along with tenderness and dull aches in the hip and groin. This patient information sheet outlines the causes, risk factors, and treatment options for managing piriformis syndrome. Recommended treatments include ice therapy, rest, flexibility and strength exercises, and pain relief medications. Ideal for patients seeking guidance on managing symptoms and improving mobility.

Key Points

  • Explains the anatomy of the piriformis muscle and its relation to the sciatic nerve.
  • Lists common symptoms of piriformis syndrome, including tingling and numbness in the leg.
  • Describes treatment options such as ice therapy, rest, and specific exercises.
  • Highlights risk factors including sports activities and poor physical conditioning.
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Piriformis Syndrome
Patient Information Sheet
What do I need to know?
1
What is my diagnosis?
Piriformis is a muscle deep in the buttock which works to
rotate the leg outwards.
The sciatic nerve travels near or through the muscle and
can get compressed at this point.
Frequent signs and symptoms
• Tingling, numbness, burning in back of thigh, occasionally to the foot
• Tenderness in the buttock
• Dull ache/burning in hip, groin, mid buttock, back of thigh
• Heaviness or fatigue of the leg
• Worse with sitting on hard chair.
Causes of piriformis syndrome
• Pressure on the sciatic nerve by piriformis muscle
• Sudden increase in amount or intensity of activity
• Compensation from other lower extremity injuries.
Risk of piriformis syndrome increases with
• Sports with running, jumping
• Prolonged walking, walking up stairs or hills
• Poor physical conditioning (lack of strength, flexibility).
How can it be treated?
• Ice packs x 20 mins regularly to reduce inflammation
• Rest from the aggravating activity
• Flexibility and strength exercises – see overleaf
• Heat to help improve flexibility
• Pain killers eg paracetemol and/or anti inflammatories eg ibuprofen
– take as directed
• Occasionally an injection of corticosteroid may help
• Very rarely surgery is indicated.
Piriformis Syndrome
Patient Information Sheet
What do I need to know?
FLEXIBILITY exercises:
STRENGTHENING exercises:
Physiotherapy
Edinburgh self referral– complete form
East Lothian self referral– telephone
Midlothian – referral from GP
West Lothian – referral from GP
Where To Find Us – Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy (nhslothian.scot)
https://services.nhslothian.scot/musculoskeletal/where-to-find-us/
v1.0 approved by NHS Lothian Patient Information Jan 25, Review: Jan 28
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for 30 seconds
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FAQs

What are the common symptoms of piriformis syndrome?
Common symptoms of piriformis syndrome include tingling, numbness, and burning sensations in the back of the thigh, which may extend to the foot. Patients often experience tenderness in the buttock and a dull ache or burning sensation in the hip, groin, and mid-buttock area. Additionally, some may feel heaviness or fatigue in the leg, especially after prolonged sitting on hard surfaces.
What causes piriformis syndrome?
Piriformis syndrome is primarily caused by pressure on the sciatic nerve due to the piriformis muscle. This compression can occur from sudden increases in physical activity or as a compensation for other lower extremity injuries. Risk factors include engaging in sports that involve running or jumping, prolonged walking, and poor physical conditioning, which can lead to muscle tightness and imbalances.
How can piriformis syndrome be treated effectively?
Effective treatment for piriformis syndrome includes applying ice packs for 20 minutes to reduce inflammation and resting from aggravating activities. Patients are encouraged to engage in flexibility and strength exercises to improve muscle balance and reduce tension. Pain relief can be achieved through over-the-counter medications like paracetamol or ibuprofen, and in some cases, corticosteroid injections may be beneficial.
What exercises are recommended for piriformis syndrome?
Recommended exercises for managing piriformis syndrome focus on flexibility and strengthening the surrounding muscles. Stretching exercises should be held for at least 30 seconds to effectively relieve tension in the piriformis muscle. Strengthening exercises help improve overall stability and reduce the risk of future injuries, making them essential components of a rehabilitation program.
What activities increase the risk of developing piriformis syndrome?
Activities that increase the risk of developing piriformis syndrome include sports that involve running and jumping, as well as prolonged walking, particularly uphill or on stairs. Poor physical conditioning, characterized by a lack of strength and flexibility, can also contribute to the development of this condition. Individuals who sit for extended periods on hard surfaces may experience exacerbated symptoms.

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