What are possible causes of left buttock pain that radiates down the leg?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Left buttock pain that radiates down the leg is often caused by three main conditions: sacroiliac joint dysfunction, piriformis syndrome, or hip joint problems. Each affects nearby nerves or muscles differently, producing pain that travels from the buttock down the leg.

Sacroiliac joint dysfunction: Inflammation where the spine meets the pelvis can irritate nearby nerves.
Piriformis syndrome: A tight piriformis muscle compresses the sciatic nerve, causing shooting pain.
Hip problems: Arthritis or labral tears in the hip joint can refer pain into the buttock and leg.

Because these conditions share overlapping symptoms but require different treatments, identifying the likely cause early is essential. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to better understand what may be driving your pain and get clear guidance on your next steps.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

Important Next Steps

Discover causes of left buttock leg pain See if your pain needs urgent care Find out what’s causing your buttock pain Explore OTC relief for left leg pain Find a doctor for buttock pain Learn medically proven home remedies for pain Understand if pain could need treatment

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Explanation

Pain in the left buttock that travels down the leg can happen for several reasons. One possible cause is a problem with the sacroiliac joint, which connects the base of the spine to the pelvis. When this joint is not working right, it can irritate nerves and cause pain that moves down the leg.

Another reason for this type of pain is piriformis syndrome. The piriformis is a small muscle in the buttock that can press on the sciatic nerve if it becomes tight or swollen. This pressure causes pain to shoot down the leg.

Hip problems can also lead to pain in the buttock and leg. Issues like arthritis or injuries in the hip joint can cause discomfort that spreads. To better understand what might be causing your specific symptoms and explore potential next steps, try our free AI symptom checker for personalized insights.

(References)

Murakami E, Aizawa T, Kurosawa D, & Noguchi K. (2017). Leg symptoms associated with sacroiliac joint disorder and .... Clinical neurology and neurosurgery, 28410481.
Papadopoulos EC, & Khan SN. (2004). Piriformis syndrome and low back pain. The Orthopedic clinics of North America, 15062719.
Chamberlain R. (2021). Hip Pain in Adults: Evaluation and Differential Diagnosis. American family physician, 33448767.

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