Yahoo Lifestyle Fans Rally Around Andie MacDowell, 66, After She's Diagnosed With 'Rare' Neuromuscular Syndrome
Andie MacDowell is getting candid about her journey with hip pain—and receiving a surprising diagnosis that helped her feel better.
During a January 23 episode of The Drew Barrymore Show, the 66-year-old shared that she’s been diagnosed with a condition called piriformis syndrome, which causes her pain.
“It’s a muscle that kind of clamps down on my sciatic nerve, and it was shooting down my leg," she explained. "I ended up with bad knees and a bad hip and… I thought I was literally falling apart, like I was gonna have to get new pieces... I thought I was going to have to have a hip replacement—thank God, my hips are fine!”
But the Four Weddings and a Funeral star said her diagnosis has helped her to find a solution that’s relatively easy. “I have to work my tiny little bottom and my hips,” she said. “I have to work the bottom and work my hip. I just do it every day.”
As a result, Andie said that her hip “doesn’t hurt anymore," adding that the result is "a miracle."
Piriformis syndrome isn’t a condition you hear about every day, so it’s fair to wonder what this is and how it’s treated. Here’s what you need to know.
What is piriformis syndrome?
Piriformis syndrome is a rare neuromuscular condition that happens when the piriformis muscle in the butt presses on the sciatic nerve, according to the Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD).
It’s usually linked with sciatica (a condition that happens when the sciatic nerve is compressed or irritated), but people with piriformis syndrome may also have tenderness, aching, tingling, numbness, and pain when they sit for long periods of time, climb stairs, walk, or run.
Piriformis syndrome is usually caused by damage, irritation, or overuse of the piriformis muscle, according to GARD. That can make the muscle swell or tighten, putting pressure on the sciatic nerve and causing symptoms.
How do you fix piriformis syndrome?
There is a wide range of potential treatment options for piriformis syndrome. According to the Cleveland Clinic, those include:
Resting for a few days
Doing home exercises to stretch and strengthen the piriformis muscle
Taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Having massages
Taking muscle relaxers
Doing physical therapy
Getting steroid injections
Having Botox injections
If all other treatments fail, surgery may be recommended.
Is walking good for piriformis syndrome?
Yes, walking can be good for piriformis syndrome, although there is a sweet spot, according to Spine-Health. Walking may help relieve pain in some people, while it can make things worse in others.
If walking is uncomfortable, Spine-Health recommends doing short walking breaks between 30 seconds to a minute to stay mobile or using a recumbent bike.
Will piriformis ever go away?
Yes, piriformis syndrome can go away. However, it can come back, which is why the Cleveland Clinic says it’s so important to stay on top of it.
How can I prevent piriformis syndrome?
There are a few things you can do to lower the risk of piriformis syndrome, or to keep symptoms from coming back. The Cleveland Clinic suggests making these moves:
Exercise regularly
Try to maintain good posture, especially when you’re sitting, driving or standing
Use proper lifting technique (Bend your knees and squat, making sure to keep your back straight)
Warm up before workouts and stretch afterward
Take breaks from sitting
Ultimately, if you suspect you have piriformis syndrome, it's a good idea to talk to a medical provider for an evaluation first. They can give you a proper diagnosis and get you on a treatment plan that's right for you.
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