Published on: 5/21/2025
What Treatments Are Available for Pain That Extends From the Buttocks Down the Leg?
Pain from the buttocks down the leg can be treated with therapies like stretching, medications, and sometimes injections, especially if it's due to piriformis syndrome or sciatica.
Explanation
Pain that travels from the buttocks down the leg can be caused by conditions like piriformis syndrome or sciatica. Piriformis syndrome happens when the piriformis muscle in the buttocks irritates the sciatic nerve. Treatments include stretching exercises, physical therapy, and sometimes injections to reduce inflammation and pain.
Sciatica is another condition where pain travels along the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back down the legs. Medications like gabapentin and NSAIDs can be used to help relieve the pain. Gabapentin works by calming the nerves that may be causing the pain. NSAIDs work by reducing pain and inflammation.
For both conditions, it's important to talk to a healthcare provider to find the right treatment plan. They can help decide if exercises, medications, or other therapies are best for you.
(References)
- Papadopoulos EC, & Khan SN. (2004). Piriformis syndrome and low back pain. The Orthopedic clinics of North America, 15062719.
- Ro TH, & Edmonds L. (2018). Diagnosis and Management of Piriformis Syndrome. Journal of clinical imaging science, 29541492.
- Grice GR, & Mertens MK. (2008). Gabapentin as a potential option for treatment of sciatica. Pharmacotherapy, 18294119.
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