Buttock injuries can be caused by overuse, overstretching, muscle strain, direct trauma, and other factors. Athletes are at higher risk, and symptoms include sharp pains and loss of flexibility. Treatment options include rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain medications, and surgery is rarely needed.
The buttocks and upper legs contain three major muscle structures: the gluteus minimus, medius, and maximus. Any of the three gluteal muscles can be injured through overuse, overstretching, muscle strain, direct trauma, and many other possible causes. Injuries are commonly caused during strenuous physical activity, playing sports, and as a result of a serious fall. Depending on the severity of a buttock injury, a person may experience sharp pains and loss of flexibility in one or both legs. A person who believes they have sustained this type of injury should visit their doctor to identify the cause and learn about the different treatment options.
The most common cause of a buttock injury is a strain or strain on one of the muscles beyond its normal range of motion. Such injuries are prominent in athletes, particularly football, soccer, and baseball players who make sudden movements and overexert their legs during a game. Tracking events like hurdles or the long jump can also increase the likelihood of a glute strain. Other risk factors include not stretching your legs before activity and playing in cold weather.
Excessive acute stress on a buttock muscle can cause it to tear, which usually results in immediate pain and weakness in the legs. The skin may bruise after a few hours and the buttocks will typically feel very tight. Swelling, tenderness, and weakness may persist for up to two weeks, depending on the severity of the injury.
A buttock injury can also result from frequent overuse. People who engage in strenuous activity on a daily basis for several hours at a time are at risk of straining a nearby gluteal muscle or supporting tendon. Overuse injuries typically get worse slowly over time. Buttock pain may only be noticeable after a day of activity to begin with. The pain gradually becomes more constant to the point that the buttocks or legs hurt all the time.
Less commonly, a buttock injury can result from a direct force on the buttocks. A fall from a height can injure the muscles and damage the underlying SI joint or tailbone. The impact of a pitched ball or tackle can damage the gluteus maximus, the muscle closest to the skin.
Most minor strains and bruises will heal on their own in less than a month. Rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain medications can help relieve symptoms and shorten healing time. If a person experiences significant pain following a buttock injury, they should be evaluated by a doctor to check for greater damage. Even larger tears usually heal with time, rest, and guided exercise. Surgery is rarely needed to treat a buttock injury.
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