National Associaltion of Myofascial Trigger Point Therapists - Symptom Checker
Gluteus Minimus
This is the technical name of the muscle being described. This name may be used to find additional information in any medical resource. Gluteus Minimus
A group of muscles generally denotes muscles of the same function and may share a common attachment point. Glutes (Buttock)
Muscle function, in this definition, is what the muscle could do if it was to contract by itself with the body in anatomical position. This is a general definition of muscle function. For more information on how muscles work together on the body please refer to a physiology or functional anatomy text.

Abductor of the thigh.      

A description of where a Myofascial Trigger Point may produce pain in the body. This area is generally located away from the trigger point.

Pain from this muscle may be felt either down the backside of the thigh or down the side of the thigh and leg.  Pain is felt down the middle of the backside of the thigh and calf.  Pain is felt down the lateral side of the thigh over the knee and down to the ankle. 

A description of the symptoms a person may experience with trigger points in the muscle being described.

A person may complain of hip pain that may cause a limp and rolling onto the affected side while sleeping may be so painful that the person could wake up.  Pain is also present when standing up from a seated position.  A position to relieve pain from TrPs in this muscle is difficult to find and a person can not walk or lie down comfortably.
   

 A list of possible diseases that fit the information derived from examination of a patient.

  1. TrPs in the gluteus medius and piriformis muscles.
  2. Trochanteric bursitis.
  3. L5 radiculopathy
  4. S1 radiculopathy
  5. Sciatic nerve entrapment.
  6. “Sciatica”  NOTE: sciatica is a symptom, not a diagnosis; its cause should be identified.
  7. SI joint dysfunction.
  8. Facet Syndrome of the lumbar spine.
  9. Nerve root compression by spinal tumors.
  10. Spinal stenosis.
  11. Compression of the cauda equina (section of the spinal cord) by a herniated lumbar disc.

A list of activities or positions that may either CAUSE a trigger point to manifest or PROLONG a pain condition respectively.

  1. The gluteals may be activated by falling or by attempting to stop a fall.
  2. Sleeping on the side without support between the legs.
  3. Sleeping on the back with the legs straight.
  4. Injections of medications into the gluteals may aggravate TrPs in this muscle.
  5. Lengthy tennis matches.
  6. Long walks on a soft sandy beach.
  7. Standing on one leg for an extended period of time.
  8. Sitting too long in one position.
  9. Morton foot structure.
  10. A wallet in the back pocket can compress TrPs in the gluteals, thus aggravating them.
  11.  Putting pants on while standing can overload the gluteals especially if the person catches their foot on the inside of the pant and falls.
  12. SI joint dysfunction.
  13. Prolonged standing, as when waiting in a line, or standing for long periods at a social event.

A corrective action is usually a modification of daily routine which will reduce stress on the affected muscle(s) in a person with myofascial trigger points.

  1. A lower limb discrepancy of 5 mm (1/4”) or more that causes a functional scoliosis should be corrected.
  2. Limit sitting to no longer than 15 to 20 minutes.  Get up and walk around.  A timer may be placed on the other side of the room to initiate.
  3. When sleeping on the back a bolster, rolled up towel, or pillow should be placed under the knees to keep the gluteals from shortening.
  4. When lying on the side a pillow should be placed between the knees to relieve the tension being created by the “sagging” upper leg.
  5. Move the wallet from the back pocket to the front pocket.
  6. Use of a rocking chair to help relax muscles.
  7. Sit down or lean against a wall when putting on pants and socks.
  8. Displacement of the SI joint should be corrected by mobilization or manipulation techniques.
 

References : 
Simons DG, Travell JG, Simons LS, Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction: The Trigger Point Manual, vol 1, 2nd Ed. Baltimore: Williams and Wilkins, 1999.

Travell JG, Simons DG, Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction, vol 2. Baltimore: Williams & Wilkins, 1992.

This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease.  A proper diagnosis should be sought from a licensed health care provider.