Butt Pain
Butt pain occurs when the piriformis muscle is irritated or injured. The piriformis muscle is a small pear shaped muscle located in the gluteal region. Injury to this muscle is a common injury of many recreational and professional athletes, but also for people who sit for most of the day. This little muscle is the most well-known of a group of muscles known as the “Hip Rotator Cuff” and is frequently the source of the pain in the butt and legs. 
Butt Pain Causes
Problems occur when the piriformis becomes inflamed. This may be due to falling on your butt, overuse, or a sudden, forced rotation of the hip, which may occur when running on an uneven surface.
Butt Pain Symptoms
The inflamed muscle may cause pain in the center of the buttock or may compress the sciatic nerve causing pain, aching or tingling in the leg. Sitting, climbing stairs, or squatting may increase the pain. Deep palpation of the center of the buttocks will cause pain, as will sudden stretches of these muscles.
It is common for pain to initially be confused with a hamstring strain or hamstring origin tendinopathy. However there will be no area in the hamstrings which is tender to touch. Other signs include reduced range of motion of the hip joint, especially into internal hip rotation is often seen.
Butt Pain Treatment
For approximately the first 72 hours following an injury, the RICE regime should be followed to ensure control of inflammation and pain relief.
R – Rest
I – Ice
C – Compression
E – Elevation
Rest from aggravating activity.
Apply ice in the first 72 hours or when inflammation persists, ice for 15 to 20 minutes at a time. Do not apply ice directly to the skin, but through a wet towel or cloth. Use an elastic bandage to achieve compression. Elevate the butt above the level of the heart.
If the injury is acutely painful or inflamed then applying ice may help reduce muscle spasm. More chronic or longer term conditions may respond better to heat therapy to relax the muscle however, heat should not be applied if an acute injury, inflammation or recent tear of the muscle is suspected as it will only increase swelling, inflammation and bleeding.
For gradual onset or more chronic conditions, heat in the form of a hot bath or hot water bottle applied for approximately 20 minutes three times a day can help to release the muscle spasm and encourage blood flow through the muscle. Applying heat before performing exercises, particularly stretching exercises may help increase the effectiveness of the exercises.
Rest from any activities which make symptoms worse. This is likely to include running and other weight bearing activities.
Self-Care Techniques for Buttock Pain
Before you pursue a medical evaluation, you may want try the following techniques at home: Take over-the-counter pain medications, and use a hot pack or a cold pack. Or alternate heat and ice on the area, 15 to 20 minutes at a time, several times a day. Try gentle daily stretches for your legs, hips and buttocks. To relieve pressure, use a cushion when you’re sitting. If you choose the self-care method Kelley’s Therapeutic Garments has a butt wrap you will love, click here for more information and to purchase.
If after two weeks there’s no improvement, or if new symptoms develop, see your doctor.
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