Piriformis Supplements

Your piriformis muscle is in your gluteal region and helps rotate your thigh laterally, or outward. There are several important structures, including your sciatic nerve, that are just under this muscle. Piriformis syndrome, according to SpineUniverse.com, involves a tight piriformis muscle. It is often caused by repetitive motion injuries and is particularly common in runners. Some supplements may help treat your piriformis syndrome-related symptoms. Discuss the risks and benefits of dietary supplements for this condition with your doctor before ingesting supplements.

Piriformis Syndrome

Piriformis syndrome, says SportsInjuryClinic.net, is a condition in which your tight piriformis muscle compresses your sciatic nerve, causing pain that radiates down the back of your leg. One of the most common causes of piriformis syndrome is believed to be tight adductor muscles, or the muscles on the inner side of your thigh. Some of the more commonly experienced symptoms associated with this condition include buttock pain, decreased hip joint motion, tenderness in the affected area and radiating pain down your leg.

Useful Supplements

Useful dietary supplements for your piriformis syndrome help treat any musculoskeletal problems contributing to this condition and the nerve pain that commonly accompanies it. According to naturopathic physician Sharol Tilgner, author of "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," some of the most useful supplements for this common sports-related musculoskeletal problem may include cayenne, arnica, rue, St. John's wort and wintergreen. Helpful non-herbal supplements may include MSM, bromelain and essential fatty acids. Further scientific testing may be necessary to determine the true effectiveness of these dietary supplements in treating piriformis syndrome.

Supplement in Focus

St. John's wort is a dietary supplement that may be helpful in treating various symptoms associated with your piriformis syndrome, especially sciatic nerve pain. St. John's wort, says the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, has historically been used in treating nerve pain and mental disorders. Ed Smith, a master herbalist and author of "Therapeutic Herb Manual," states that St. John's wort may be especially helpful in treating sciatic nerve injury, inflammation and pain.

Additional Information

In most cases, your piriformis syndrome may benefit most from a multi-modal health-care approach that incorporates several conservative care methods, including dietary supplements, manual medicine techniques, acupuncture and various home-care activities. Always discuss supplement dosage, possible side effects and potential drug interactions with your primary care provider before using these natural substances to treat your piriformis syndrome. A sports medicine practitioner who specializes in clinical nutrition may provide you with the most relevant information about dietary supplements and their ability to treat your piriformis syndrome.