Piriformis & general leg ache

[gazmix]

Hi

I'm 35 yr male, 231lb (16 & half stones).
I am quite muscular & people say they can't believe i weigh that much.

I play Football (soccer) once a week & on alternate days, i do a 3 mile run/jog & alternate this with 10 miles (16.1km) stationary cycling/spinning.

I am wondering if i am doing too much??

2 months ago, during soccer, i turned awkwardly & felt something go in my lower left buttock. I was told by a trained physio, that this was my piriformis & he gave me exercises to do, which have shown no improvement.
I initially did the RICE method & hoped this would have helped, it did not!

I have noticed i get very sore hamstrings after running & football, but not from cycling & this lasts a fiew days & am aware that my legs just feel generally weak & when i need to stop quick, they sometimes feel like collapsing under me & giving way.
This has only recently started to happen & the aching in my legs is quite painful, like they are sore & tender & when i try to run, i can't sprint or take a long stride.

I hope someone can advise

Thanks

Gaz

[Heidi]

Hi,

If it was piriformis, which is possible, then I would recommend some massage to the muscle. Ok it can be a little embarrassing to be getting your bum out in front of a stranger but its well worth it. The muscle probably torn a few fibres and then tightened right up to protect it. Unfortunately the sciatic nerve passes directly underneath the piriformis (or in some cases, durectly through it!). So a tight muscle often impinges on the nerve causing pain down the hamstrings which then also tighten up and if prolonged, will weaken too.

Try some massage to this area, including the hamstring and stretch at least three times a day and you should find this a realy help. Providing this is what the injury was in the first place!

Check out this page to make sure you are stretching the piriformis well...

http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/cybertherapist/stretching/piriformis_stretch.php

[gazmix]

Hi & thanks, i do an exercise that feels like it helps, but am not sure if it is the exercise i need.
When i need to exert the muscle during football, in find i can't sprint, but can run slowly/jog.

I'm sure your right that my muscle has torn & is tightening to help it, but am worried that it will go on & on & not get better as i did all the exercises & still do!!