It is the entrapment of the sciatic nerve where it passes between the piriformis muscle of the hip. Thin people can also be trapped by sitting on a hard floor for a long time and by the pressure of an object such as a wallet or card in the back pocket. Again, since the sciatic nerve shows adhesions before leaving the hip bone, tension occurs in the nerve due to excessive stretching of the legs and may cause damage to the peroneal-tibial branches leading to the feet.

 

Clinical findings in sciatic nerve neuropathy are initially pain, mild numbness or loss of strength. Symptoms may increase or decrease over time. Piriformis syndrome is characterized by neurological symptoms appropriate to the sciatic nerve distribution. Loss of strength in lifting the feet up and down while walking can cause difficulty in walking.

 

Diagnosis is made by examination and electrophysiological tests (EMG). Lumbar disc hernias and low back stiffness should be kept in mind in the differential diagnosis.

Damages due to external causes usually spontaneously  healing occurs. In lesions that occur internally, care should be taken in the decision of surgical treatment. Depending on the degree of entrapment, relaxation of the nerve, relaxation of the piriform muscle that directly compresses the nerve, or nerve repair can be performed.