Joe A Shaw PA-C - 3/3/2008

Question
Hi I have had very bad pain in my left buttock for 2 days now. When I walk it is very painful and it feels like my knee is popping out of place. What could this be?

Answer
Gina,
That can be a pretty classical sign for sciatica..this is a large nerve that runs from your low back, through buttocks and down the back of the leg to the foot. The nerve can be compressed "pinched" by inflammation of muscles,ligaments etc..or the disc can be putting pressure on it at its origination site. Sitting makes it worse usually. There is an anatomical site called the sciatica notch (google that) and see if your not tender there when you or someone else pushes on that spot. Not sure about the knee..it is possible that you are favoring that leg due to the buttocks pain..and your knee may be affected by this?