Leg Ache, Tightness and Numbness

[runnermom]

For a couple of months, I've been experiencing some aching, tightness and numbness in my right leg during and after running. It extends from my buttocks to my foot. I took a month off of running and did the ellipitical and spin classes. The numbness subsided. However, a went for a few runs last week and it came back. My leg has slightly improved with stretching and no activity. I went to a chiropractor and he wasn't quite sure what it was. He said it could possibly be a herniated disc, but he wasn't entirely sure. He also suggested that it could be piriformis syndrome. I notice that my right buttocks aches after I sit for a long time. This injury is confusing and worrying me. Any ideas or suggestions?

[Heidi]

Hi
Yes the two things that your chiropractor mentioned both sound possible. If there has been no pain in the lower back itself, and given the discomfort in the buttock on sitting, I would lean towards piriformis syndrome. Read more here: http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/cybertherapist/back/buttocks/piriformis.htm
Did the chiropractor do any treatment for this or give you any exercises?
Sports massage really helps with piriformis syndrome so I would strongly recommend this. Also lots of stretches for the buttock muscles, you can find these linked to the page above.
You need to also find the cause of the problem. It is obviously linked to your running as this is the only time it appears. It may be a muscle imbalance problem around the hip, causing the piriformis to work harder and tighten, impinging on the nerve.