Why It's Often Confused
Piriformis sits in the same body region as several other running injuries. The wrong call can turn a 2-week recovery into a 2-month one.
Piriformis vs Lumbar Radiculopathy (Sciatica)
Sciatica from the spine typically starts in the low back and includes more leg symptoms; piriformis syndrome is localized to the deep buttock.
Piriformis vs Proximal Hamstring Tendinopathy
Hamstring tendinopathy hurts right at the sit-bone and worsens with hamstring stretching — piriformis sits higher and deeper.
When to Get Imaging
If pain is pinpoint, worsens at rest, wakes you at night, or persists more than 2-3 weeks despite reduced training — see a sports medicine clinician for imaging. Don't wait it out.
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