Piriformis Syndrome Treatment – The Effective Remedial Measures

The tightening or shortening of the piriformis muscle located in the lower limb is diagnosed as piriformis syndrome. This neuro-muscular disorder can stem from training errors or bio mechanical inefficiencies such as faulty foot, poor posture and gait disturbances. Herniated discs and spinal stenosis can also contribute to this condition.

Piriformis Syndrome Treatment – Varieties to Select from

Pain stemming from piriformis syndrome can be alleviated with muscle relaxants or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Some doctors follow the RICER rule, which stands for rest, ice, compression, elevation and referral to a professional. This form of piriformis syndrome treatment is usually implemented within the first 48 to 72 hours of the injury’s occurrence. Ice packs can relieve pain, while using hot compress periodically at least two days after the injury happened helps remove scar tissue. Massage therapy is also a highly recommended piriformis syndrome treatment as it makes muscles and tendons heal more quickly. In rare cases, patients undergo minimal access surgery to treat the condition.

Piriformis Syndrome Stretches – Simple Instructions

One solution to recover from piriformis syndrome is to lie with the back on the ground and bring the right knee to the opposite shoulder and hold the position using the right hand. The ankle should then be gripped with the left hand before the limb is rotated by pulling the ankle toward the armpit or the floor. The same exercise should be done on the opposite side of the body. Similar piriformis syndrome stretches cover the lower back, hamstrings and ankles. Other exercises, however, concentrate on the hips. Advanced piriformis syndrome stretches include the pigeon pose, which starts in a push-up position and requires sliding one knee toward the hand at the opposite side of the body in such a way that the outer ankle touches the floor.

Piriformis Injection – Procedure

In the case where first-line treatments fail, doctors resort to piriformis injection to relieve pain. Lidocaine and other anesthetics may be applied, as well as corticosteroids and anti-inflammatory medicines for pain relief. The muscle relaxant botulinum toxin type A is usually injected under high-frequency ultrasound or computed tomography scanning. These drugs may be administered singularly or as combination therapy. Another injectable option is caudal epidural steroids, which are also used for low back pain. This consists of 60 to 80 milligram doses of triamcinolone with 15 milliliters of bupivacaine. All these drugs render the piriformis muscle inactive without impairing activity or weakening the legs.

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