When pain in the hip radiating down the leg arises, many people usually misunderstand that it is a herniated disc pressing on a nerve. But in truth, such symptoms may arise from the problem of the piriformis, which is a condition with similar symptoms, to the point where they cannot be told apart. In this article, we will take you to become acquainted with piriformis syndrome — what it is, and what the ways of putting it right are — so that you are able to care for yourself correctly when these symptoms arise.

Revealing the causes that piriformis syndrome can arise from

Piriformis Syndrome is a state arising from the deep muscle of the hip contracting in spasm until it compresses the sciatic nerve, giving rise to symptoms of pain and numbness. The main causes that give rise to piriformis syndrome are as follows.

Heavy use of the muscles in the area of the buttock

Using the muscles in the area of the buttock too much is an important cause that gives rise to piriformis syndrome, since heavy use may make the piriformis muscle become inflamed, swollen, or slightly torn, resulting in the muscle contracting in spasm and swelling up until it compresses the sciatic nerve nearby. Examples of heavy use are long-distance running, playing sports requiring a great deal of movement of the hip, or exercising too heavily without a suitable warm-up.

The muscles in the area of the buttock being compressed

When the muscles in the area of the buttock are compressed for a long period continuously, whether from driving for a long time or from sitting in the same posture for a long time without changing posture, it will make the muscles in that area become compressed until piriformis syndrome arises. When we are in the same posture for a long time, the muscles lack movement and flexibility until chronic contraction occurs; and when there is pressure from sitting or from doing activities in the same posture repeatedly, it makes the muscles become even more inflamed and swollen, resulting in compression of the sciatic nerve nearby. This makes piriformis syndrome, or "the state of the hip muscle pinching the nerve", usually detected in patients with office syndrome, which is met more and more at present.

The symptoms of piriformis syndrome

The symptoms of piriformis syndrome are several together, and can become more severe if one sits in the same position continuously for a long time, or when there is stretching of the piriformis muscle beyond what is proper. The symptoms of piriformis syndrome met often are as follows.

Deep pain in the muscles of the hip, the buttock, and the waist
Pain in the hip with numbness radiating down the leg
The pain usually becoming more severe when sitting for a long time, or when the piriformis muscle contracts in spasm from heavy use
More pain when stretching the muscles of the buttock
The joint in the area of the hip moving less
A feeling of pain when pressing in the area of the hip
In some people, when feeling in the area of the tailbone, small lumps may be found, which are muscles held in spasm

The methods of diagnosing the symptoms of piriformis syndrome

Diagnosing the symptoms of piriformis syndrome requires a detailed physical examination, since the symptoms are similar to other conditions, such as a herniated spinal disc pressing on a nerve, or a degenerated hip joint. The steps of diagnosing the symptoms of piriformis syndrome are as follows.

Taking the preliminary history: the doctor will ask about the character of the pain, the history of accidents, and the behaviour of living daily life
The physical examination: the doctor will carry out a physical examination, particularly of the area of the hip and the leg
Choosing to use diagnostic radiology as is thought fit; for the most part, piriformis syndrome can be diagnosed by relying only on taking the history and examining the body

A collection of the ways to treat and put right piriformis syndrome

When pain in the hip radiating down the leg arises, one should not be complacent, but should hurry to carry out treatment so that the symptoms do not become more severe. The ways of putting right piriformis syndrome can be done by several methods, depending on the severity of the symptoms.

Putting right piriformis syndrome by oneself

The behaviour of living, particularly sitting for too long, is one of the causes that give rise to piriformis syndrome. Putting right piriformis syndrome can therefore be done by adjusting the behaviour of working, such as getting up to stretch every 30 minutes and changing posture and position sometimes, so that the muscles release and the circulation of blood to the muscles increases. Besides this, hot compresses and light exercise can also help relieve the symptoms.

Using medicine to relieve the pain

Besides putting right piriformis syndrome by adjusting the pattern of living, for those who have pain but not very severe pain, using painkillers will help relieve the symptoms. In general the doctor will usually advise using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or muscle relaxants. However, for safety, medicine should be used only according to the doctor's advice.

Treatment with rehabilitation medicine

Treatment with rehabilitation medicine, or doing physiotherapy, is another effective way of putting right piriformis syndrome. The rehabilitation physician or the physiotherapist will use various techniques, such as stretching the muscles, and using physiotherapy equipment, such as electromagnetic stimulation (PMS), acupuncture, or Western needling (Dry Needling), in order to help restore the muscles, increase flexibility, and reduce inflammation. But doing physiotherapy regularly will help the muscles become stronger, reduce the compression of the nerve, and prevent recurrence.

Besides this, the problem of piriformis syndrome can also be treated with an injection of PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma), which is a treatment in which the patient's blood is taken and spun to separate it, in order to obtain highly concentrated platelets, and then injected into the patient to stimulate the tissue, repair the cells, and restore the injury so that it returns to normal as much as possible.

Injecting steroids

For those who have tried treating and putting right piriformis syndrome by other forms but the symptoms have not improved, or the pain has become more and more severe, the doctor may advise injecting steroids, so that the muscles in the piriformis area release, because injecting steroids helps reduce inflammation rapidly, relieving the pain and the compression of the nerve. However, this method is usually used as the last choice before surgery, since it may have side effects if used too often.

When should a doctor be seen?

When you have chronic pain, particularly pain in the area of the hip, if the pain interferes with the living of daily life, such as walking or standing for a long time. Besides this, if there is swelling, redness, or fever as well, a doctor should be seen at once, because it may be a signal of infection. Diagnosis and treatment early will help prevent complications and increase the chance of the treatment healing it more quickly.

The way PYONG Rehabilitation Clinic treats piriformis syndrome

PYONG Rehabilitation Clinic is a clinic specialising in medical practice in the field of rehabilitation medicine, directed at treating and finding the approach to putting right piriformis syndrome without surgery. We use an approach to treatment that emphasises therapy and restoration, so that you have a better quality of life and are able to live happily. For those who have the problem of piriformis syndrome, with pain in the area of the buttocks, pain in the muscles of the buttock, or pain radiating down the leg, you may come to consult the doctor in order to receive assessment of the symptoms, so as to find the approach to treatment going forward. Because here we have treatment with the PMS device, which is an electrical stimulation device that can treat the symptoms of piriformis syndrome effectively. Besides this, treatment with Western needling also helps restore the condition so that it improves, and even a new medical innovation such as Shockwave Therapy also helps in treating it.

Yoga postures for exercising to put right piriformis syndrome

Yoga is a natural way that helps put right piriformis syndrome effectively, by stretching the muscles and the tendons in the area of the feet and the legs, helping increase flexibility and reduce the pain. Besides this it also helps build up strength in the muscles involved, so that movement improves.

Diamond Pose

Sit on the floor with the back straight
Fold both knees, spreading the heels out to the sides
Place the buttocks down between the heels
Let the tips of the toes touch together
Place the hands on both knees
Breathe in and out deeply while in this posture

Warrior Pos

Stand upright, separating the feet about 1 metre apart
Turn the left foot out to the side 90 degrees, the right foot slightly at an angle
Bend the left knee down, letting the hip be at the same level as the knee
Stretch both arms out parallel with the floor
Turn the face to the left, looking at the tips of the left fingers
Hold this posture for 30-60 seconds, then change sides

Happy baby pose

Lie on the back on the floor
Raise both legs up, bending the knees in towards the chest
Hold the outside of both feet with the hands
Open the knees out slightly wider than the body
Pull the feet down as close to the armpits as possible
Relax and breathe deeply in this posture
Hold the posture for 30-60 seconds

FAQ

For anyone who has read to this point but still has questions about putting right piriformis syndrome, PYONG Rehabilitation Clinic has gathered the questions met often and answered them so that everyone's doubts are resolved.

Can piriformis syndrome be treated so that it heals?

Treating and putting right piriformis syndrome can be done so that it heals completely, but some behaviour must be adjusted as well, both the use of the muscles and exercise.

Can treating and putting right piriformis syndrome at PYONG Rehabilitation Clinic be claimed on insurance?

PYONG Rehabilitation Clinic is a specialist clinic in the field of rehabilitation medicine that can treat pain at every stage. It can issue a medical certificate for every service carried out within the clinic. For any policy that covers treatment related to physiotherapy, the clinic can issue a medical certificate to take and use in claiming insurance. However that may be, the patient must check the entitlements and the conditions of the insurance first as to whether it covers it or not.

Can piriformis syndrome heal by itself?

The state of piriformis syndrome cannot heal by itself without treatment being carried out. The longer it is left until chronic pain arises, the more the symptoms can become worse.