Piriformis Syndrome Treatment Downtown Toronto Podiatrist and Physiotherapist
Anatomy
Piriformis Syndrome is a condition where the Piriformis muscle elicits pressure on the sciatic nerve. This pressure can cause tingling and numbness along the back of the thigh to the foot. The piriformis muscle is important in stabilizing the hips. Its function is to abduct (lifts outwards) and rotate the thigh from the body. This muscle is used when walking and running during. This muscle helps slow and control how much your thigh bone rotates inward when you land.
Sciatic Nerve
Is the largest nerve in your body that runs from under the piriformis to the sole of the foot. When the piriformis gets very tight it can place pressure on the sciatic nerve, causing unwanted symptoms.
Signs and Symptoms
Pain, tingling, numbness and even zapping like sensations can be elicited. Piriformis condition can even cause zapping like sensations in the big toe and tingling on the sole of the foot. People who are prone to this condition are those who overwork the performs resulting in a tight and shortened muscle. Other muscles are supposed to help the thigh abduct and stabilize the hip and when those are weak, the piriformis muscle gets overworked. Here at InStride we have seen piriformis condition manifest in the foot. Our Downtown Toronto physiotherapy and Downtown Toronto Foot clinic can help you manage this condition.
Along with unwanted sensations, piriformis condition can also make gait disturbances which can lead to other injuries like plantar fasciitis.
Testing of Piriformis Syndrome
-straight-leg-raise test on the involved side,
-passive hip internal rotation and resisted external rotation when seated
Treatment
Avoiding symptom provoking movements, rest, muscle relaxants, anti inflammatories, stretching and strengthening of the hip are recommended. Finding physiotherapy for piriformis syndrome near you can help you stay consistent and follow through with the treatment you need for this condition.
Initial treatment includes calming down the symptoms by medication, reducing aggravating activities and stretching.
Exercise is perhaps the optimal means of managing this disorder. Active exercise, passive stretching, soft tissue mobilization and proprioceptiveneuromuscular facilitation(PNF)technique and restoring end range of motion movement.
Once pain symptoms improve, strengthening of the hip should be implemented . Here is a photo a couple of exercises what can be incorporated gradually and carefully.
If you are located Downtown Toronto and suffering from piriformis condition, we would be happy to help!
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Photo is compliments of Jounal of Athletic Training
Not only should external hip strengthening be addressed, but the mobility and strength of the internal rotators should also be looked at. Having well rounded range of motion and strength of hip rotators is important.
For the full article you may look here for more information on this condition.
