How to Self Diagnose Piriformis Syndrome

The piriformis muscle lies just underneath the buttock muscles, right against the hip bones, and is responsible for moving the leg in a backward motion. Occasionally, the piriformis can become inflamed in what is known as piriformis syndrome, which causes pain and discomfort in the leg. Piriformis syndrome is treatable with medication and physical therapy. It must first, however, be diagnosed.

Instructions

• 1

  Pinpoint your pain. Oftentimes the sciatic nerve, which runs down the length of your leg, will become irritated if the piriformis muscle (which lies in close proximity) is inflamed. Sciatic nerve pain is dull and aching and will begin in or around the hip and seem to travel down the leg. You may also feel pain in the piriformis muscle itself, which is at the very top of the leg where it meets the gluteal (buttock) muscles.

• 2

  Move the muscle to see if the pain increases. The pain generated with piriformis syndrome generally worsens with activities like climbing stairs, squatting or simply sitting in a chair for a long time. With piriformis syndrome, pain is also caused by stretching this muscle. To stretch the piriformis, lie on your back with the knee bent toward your chest. Gently pull the knee toward the opposite shoulder (i.e., pull your right knee toward your left shoulder). If this movement generates pain, you may have piriformis syndrome.

• 3

  Treat the piriformis muscle. If you see improvement, then chances are you have piriformis syndrome. Treatment includes resting (i.e., putting in less intense workouts if you are exercising frequently), stretching and strengthening of the surrounding muscles. Keep in mind that piriformis syndrome is a difficult condition to treat and often requires weeks to months to reach a full recovery.