Many conditions and diseases can cause pain in the buttocks, commonly known as butt pain. Causes of pain in the buttocks range from temporary annoyances, such as bursitis, bruising, piriformis syndrome, muscle strain, and shingles, to more serious diseases with long-term consequences, such as cancer, arthritis of the sacroiliac joints, and herniated disc with sciatica.
A disorder in which the piriformis muscle in the buttocks irritates the sciatic nerve. Piriformis syndrome is a disorder of a narrow muscle located in the buttocks. Symptoms include pain, tingling or numbness in the buttocks and down the leg, which may worsen after sitting for a long time, climbing stairs, walking, or running.
Iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS) is the second most common knee injury caused by inflammation located on the outside aspect of the knee due to friction between the iliotibial band and the outer epicondyle of the femur. Pain is felt most commonly on the outer aspect of the knee and is most intensive at 30 degrees of knee flexion. Pain can also be felt at the hip, where the ITB rubs over the outside of the hip. ITBS is most associated with long distance running, cycling, weightlifting, and with military training.
A groin strain is an injury or tear to any of the adductor muscles of the thigh. These are the muscles on the inner side of the thigh. Sudden movements usually trigger an acute groin strain, such as kicking, twisting to change direction while running, or jumping. Athletes are most at risk for this injury.