Why does my buttocks hurt after playing basketball?
Nov 22, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lin Yunfei
Introduction
In general, buttock pain after playing basketball may be caused by normal physiological responses, soft tissue contusions, lumbar disc herniation, gluteal fasciitis, sciatica, or other factors. If symptoms are abnormal, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation at a hospital to identify the underlying cause and receive targeted treatment. It is advisable to maintain a balanced diet, engage in appropriate exercise, and practice good sitting and standing posture in daily life to help prevent the occurrence of buttock pain.
Generally speaking, buttock pain after playing basketball may be caused by normal physiological responses, soft tissue contusions, gluteal myofasciitis, sciatica, or lumbar disc herniation. If symptoms are severe or persistent, it is advisable to seek timely medical evaluation at a hospital to determine the underlying cause and receive targeted treatment. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Normal phenomenon: Playing basketball is a relatively intense physical activity that leads to the production of large amounts of lactic acid in the body. Accumulation of lactic acid in muscles can result in generalized muscle soreness, including in the buttocks and legs. This is a normal physiological response and not a cause for concern. Adequate rest and appropriate massage or relaxation techniques are usually sufficient for recovery.
2. Soft tissue contusion: Falling accidentally during basketball play may lead to soft tissue injury in the buttocks, causing post-exercise pain. In mild cases, patients should apply a cold towel or ice pack locally to reduce swelling and relieve pain. After 24 hours, switch to warm compresses using a heated towel to promote blood circulation and healing.
3. Gluteal myofasciitis: Cold exposure or chilling may trigger inflammation of the gluteal muscle fascia. Physical activity such as basketball can exacerbate this inflammatory response, leading to buttock pain. Symptoms may include muscle tightness, spasms, weakness, local stiffness, and numbness. Treatment may include medications such as eperisone hydrochloride tablets, celecoxib capsules, or meloxicam capsules, used according to medical advice.
4. Sciatica: Improper posture or movement during exercise may provoke sciatic nerve pain, resulting in discomfort in the buttocks. The pain may radiate along the path of the sciatic nerve down the back of the thigh and outer side of the lower leg, often accompanied by numbness and muscle weakness. Traditional Chinese therapies such as massage and acupuncture may help relieve pain and numbness symptoms.
5. Lumbar disc herniation: Individuals with lumbar disc herniation are more likely to experience buttock pain after playing basketball. As basketball involves high-impact movements, existing nerve root compression from a herniated disc—particularly affecting the sciatic nerve—may be aggravated during or after exercise, leading to increased pain. Patients should follow medical guidance to take medications such as indomethacin tablets or celecoxib capsules for symptom management.
It is recommended to maintain a balanced diet, engage in moderate exercise, and practice good sitting and standing posture in daily life to help prevent the occurrence of buttock pain.
