When should you see a doctor about buttock pain?

Pain in the buttock can come from the gluteal muscles or tendons, the sacroiliac joint, or irritation of a nerve. Gluteal tendinopathy often causes outer-buttock discomfort with side-lying or stair use. Sciatica may send pain below the buttock into the leg, while piriformis syndrome is one possible cause of deep buttock symptoms.

Reduce activities that clearly aggravate the area, but continue easy walking if it is safe. Avoid sitting for long uninterrupted periods and use a comfortable position for sleep. Note whether pain changes with sitting, walking, stairs, or coughing. A clinician can assess your hip, lower back, strength, and sensation before recommending rehabilitation.

Get urgent help for sudden or progressive leg weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the groin, inability to bear weight after an injury, or fever with a hot, swollen area. Make a routine appointment when pain continues to limit sitting, walking, sleep, or work.

Ask whether the pain seems to arise from the hip, spine, sacroiliac joint, tendon, or nerve; which movements are safe; and what improvement to expect from a rehabilitation plan. Tell the clinician where the pain travels and whether you have tingling or weakness.