Origin
Sacrum
Insertion
Femur – greater trochanter.
Blood supply
Superior gluteal artery, inferior gluteal artery, lateral sacral artery.
Nerve supply
1st and 2nd sacral nerves.
Action
It helps to laterally rotate the thigh when the hip is extended and in abduction of the thigh when the hip is flexed. Thus, piriformis plays an important role in walking.
Disease/Injury
Piriformis syndrome is the disorder in which the sciatic nerve gets compressed or irritated due to piriformis muscle. This leads to pain, tingling, and numbness in the buttocks, thigh, and leg. This condition is also known as sciatica.
Muscle Exercise
To stretch the piriformis muscle, lie on the floor with your right leg crossed over your left at the knee. Now pull your left knee gently towards your left shoulder. Hold for 30 seconds and release. Repeat the stretch with the other leg.
Interesting facts
Piriformis muscle helps to maintain the mobility and stability while running. Straining the muscle may give rise to difficulty in running.
