Hill running can exacerbate piriformis syndrome.
Piriformis syndrome is the irritation or inflammation of the sciatic nerve where it runs through the piriformis muscle, deep in the buttocks. Piriformis syndrome is diagnosed during a physical exam.
Causes
Potential causes of piriformis syndrome include weak, abductor and adductor muscles, leg length discrepancies, tight hamstrings, foot pronation or tight piriformis muscles.
Symptoms
Pain symptoms of the condition can include a burning pain in the hip or deep in the buttocks that can sometimes radiate down the back of the thigh and pain when sitting for a long period of time, climbing stairs, squatting or running downhill too fast.
Treatments
Treatment for piriformis syndrome include rest, ice packs, stretching the piriformis muscle several times a day, massage, physical therapy, and ultrasound. When running, avoid hills and canted surfaces and try to shorten your stride length.
Prevention/Solution
Stretch the hip rotators (the muscles that turn the legs inward and outward), hip flexors and hamstrings. Address biomechanical issues by doing stretching and strengthening exercises.
Warning
Stretching can duplicate the pain symptoms.
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