Slipped and tore something in butt cheek ( I think)

[Tessuto]

Hi , I'm 52, female , 5'8" 162, very active. In May while climbing on the counter I slipped and fell resulting in knee surgery. All is well with the knee now but then a week after my surgery I was giving my airdales a shower and slipped in the water, my knee was headed for the floor:( I couldn't let that happen so instead my right leg slipped out from under me very fast and it felt like I ripped something in my cheek. Now I can't sit ,stand on one foot or take off my shoe by using the other foot ( toe to heel method) is impossible. It's been 5 months now and I can't stand it. Can anyone help me, I might be reinjuring it some how in my everyday activities. Now I'm getting pain, tenderness on the outside of my thigh about where my butt meets my leg only on the side. I also don't seem to lift my foot high enough anymore and keep tripping. THAT HURTS. My biggest complaint is I CAN'T SIT. I guess I'm falling apart.

[Ruth]

Hi,

This really sounds like you could have torn or pulled your Piriformis muscle or possibly some of the gluteals - get yourself to a sports doctor or a physiotherapist who will be able to assess the muscles and see what is causing the problem. It is likely that this could be resolved quite swiftly with an appropriate rehabilitation programme.

You can view our page on the piriformis muscle here http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/cybertherapist/back/buttocks/piriformis.htm
this gives information on strengthening and stretching the muscle as well as causes of the problem.

Please let us know how you get on :)