Squat-related pain in the piriformis muscle --- one of the muscles in the gluteus area --- and the surrounding muscles can be excruciating. Because it can make even simple motions such as walking and sitting down unbearable, it is important to understand why muscle pain can occur during exercise and what you can do to treat it.
Definition
Muscle pain as the result of squats can range from a mild discomfort to a debilitating ache. It typically involves more than just the piriformis and surrounding muscles --- it can also affect ligaments, tendons and the soft tissues that connect the organs, bones and muscles. Pain can go away within just a few hours after doing squats or can linger for several months.
Causes
Muscle pain can occur if you overuse the thigh and surrounding muscles with excessive amounts of squats or by not taking breaks in between strength training workouts. In addition, you can stress, sprain or strain muscles if you practice improper form while doing squats or suddenly twist or jolt your body during your workout. In addition, muscle pain can be a symptom of an infection in your body such as the flu or a medical condition like fibromyalgia.
Treatments
To treat squat-related muscle pain, take a break from your exercise routine. Rest your muscles for at least one day between strength training routines. Put an ice pack or a bag of frozen vegetables on the sore muscles for about 20 minutes a few times a day. If possible, place a compression bandage around the injured area to reduce pain and swelling. You can also elevate or massage the muscle to alleviate symptoms.
Considerations
Contact a doctor if muscle pain lasts longer than three days or is accompanied by swelling, redness, a rash, water retention, less urination, shortness of breath, muscle weakness, fever, vomiting or dizziness. These could be symptoms of a serious infection or medical condition such as Lyme disease, lupus, claudication or Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Warm up and stretch your muscles prior to doing squats to help warm up the muscles and make them less likely to become injured.
