Piriformis Syndrome

The piriformis muscle connects the bottom of the spine to the top of the femur, traveling through the pelvic/hip region. When this muscle is injured, there may be hip pain and other symptoms in the hip, referred to as piriformis syndrome. To reduce pain and other symptoms, treatment may be needed. Medici Orthopaedics & Spine can offer an accurate diagnosis and treatment options for those with piriformis syndrome at our clinics in the Atlanta area.

Causes and Symptoms of Piriformis Syndrome

The piriformis muscles run underneath the gluteus maximus, or buttock muscles, diagonally from the spine to the top of each femur. This muscle helps with the rotation of the hip joint and turning the leg outward. When it is injured, it can spasm or become inflamed. This causes localized hip pain and may irritate the sciatic nerve, which passes underneath this muscle. Symptoms of piriformis syndrome include:

• Limited motion in the hip, especially rotating the foot or leg outward
• Dull pain in the buttocks region
• Increasing hip pain when climbing stairs or inclines
• Pain after a long episode of sitting
• Sciatica symptoms – weakness, pain or numbness traveling down the buttocks into the leg

Sometimes the cause of piriformis syndrome is unknown, and the symptoms can be mistaken for lower back or spine disorders. It is crucial to receive an accurate diagnosis to begin a treatment plan that will help alleviate the inflammation and spasms in the piriformis muscle for relief.

Treatments for piriformis syndrome can vary. At Medici Orthopaedics & Spine, we create a personalized treatment plan based on the symptoms and diagnosis of the patient. We prefer conservative, non-invasive treatments that address the source of the pain. This can include anti-inflammatory or Botox injections that relieve inflammation or spasms in the piriformis muscle. Physical therapy and other treatments may also be recommended.

If you have hip pain and limited mobility, you could be suffering from piriformis syndrome. For an accurate diagnosis and treatment, come see our team at Medici Orthopaedics & Spine.