Piriformis syndrome

Piriformis syndrome is a condition in which the piriformis muscle, located in the buttock region, spasms and causes buttock pain. The piriformis muscle can also irritate the nearby sciatic nerve and cause pain, numbness and tingling along the back of the leg and into the foot (similar to sciatic pain).

The Piriformis Muscle

The piriformis muscle is a small muscle located deep in the buttock (behind the gluteus maximus).

The piriformis muscle:

Starts at the lower spine and connects to the upper surface of each femur (thighbone)

Functions to assist in rotating the hip and turning the leg and foot outward

Runs diagonally, with the sciatic nerve running vertically directly beneath it (although in some people the nerve can run through the muscle).