The piriformis assist with turning your foot out. If the piriformis is weak, injuries can occur throughout the lower kinetic chain (lower back, hips, knees, ankles, and feet). In addition, if a biomechanical issue is present (e.g. knock-kneed, excessive pronation of the foot and ankle, lumbar fault, etc.), the piriformis becomes injured and overused leading to piriformis syndrome. A general term for these symptoms is sciatica. Those affected may experience numbness or tingling down one leg. Stretching is very important to maintain the proper length of this muscle so the sciatic nerve doesnt get squeezed. The normal for this stretch is being able to pull the thigh of the opposite leg being stretched up to 90 degrees in relation to your torso. Practical Benefits: This stretch lengthens the piriformis and helps to prevent the sciatic nerve from being constricted.
