Piriformis syndrome occurs when the piriformis muscle located on the posterior-inner side of the hip compresses the sciatic nerve. It is also popularly known as ‘sciatica pain’. When the sciatic nerve is compressed, complaints similar to those of a herniated lumbar disc occur. Patients usually have unilateral leg pain that goes down towards the heel.

Diagnosis

Piriformis syndrome may be considered in patients upon examination and complaints. Although the diagnosis is usually made clinically, in some cases, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) shows that the priformis muscle is thicker than the contralateral side.

Treatment

Local anesthetic and steriod injection into the piriformis muscle can be performed. This procedure is often performed under local anesthesia and ultrasonography. The aim is both to reduce pain and to relieve the sciatic nerve by reducing the edema in the muscle. The pain is expected to go away for a certain period of time or permanently with the medication administered.