Hollywood star Andie MacDowell, who is famous for her iconic roles in films such as Four Weddings and a Funeral and Groundhog Day, recently opened up about a painful condition while appearing on The Drew Barrymore Show. At 66, the actress gave a health update which brought to light a less common form of neuromuscular disorder-piriformis syndrome -which has caused her problems with mobility in life. MacDowell's open admission gives some insight into life with the scienic condition that has challenged her nerves on the sciatic nerve part. Her story of recovery was as enlightening as it is inspiring.

Actually, MacDowell initially thought she needed hip replacement, but upon examination, both her hips turned out to be in a better condition. By making efforts through regular exercise and changing lifestyles, MacDowell controlled her symptoms while simultaneously regaining her physical wellness. Her story raises much-needed attention to this condition often under-recognized while serving as a reminder to listen to the body and get proper care.

What is Piriformis Syndrome?

It is a rare neuromuscular condition where the piriformis compresses the sciatic nerve, which eventually causes inflammation and pain. The piriformis is a small, flat muscle located in the buttocks, near the back, and runs vertically down along the posterior thigh or top of the thigh bone. This muscle is important for basic lower body movements such as walking and running and also plays a crucial role in rotating the hip.

The condition often is identified by pain or numbness in the buttocks, which worsens and propagates down the back of the leg. As it attacks either one or both sides of the body, its symptoms are commonly mistaken for a case of sciatica or some form of lower back disease. Therefore, says the Cleveland Clinic, "the syndrome can bring such discomfort that even minor activities such as sitting, climbing stairs, or walking uphill can be painful".

How common is Piriformis syndrome?

It's somewhat rare, according to the American Osteopathic Association, piriformis syndrome having a prevalence that approximates a range of between 200,000 to around half a million per year cases within the U.S. With a known set of causes impossible, it may include muscle spasm, swelling or irritation associated with trauma of overuse involving irritation of piriformis in patients. Severe tightness and swelling result in marked painful stiffness and can hinder mobility of patients.

This condition is one of the rarest and has overlapping symptoms with other disorders like lumbar disc herniation or spinal stenosis, which often makes diagnosis complicated. Medical professionals mostly rely on a combination of physical examinations, patient history, and diagnostic imaging like MRIs in order to rule out other conditions before establishing piriformis syndrome.

MacDowell's symptoms started after she had participated in intense indoor cycling, which she described as "riding like a crazy person." She began experiencing knee pain and hip discomfort and was diagnosed with piriformis syndrome. She confessed to feeling as though she was "falling apart," but after all the medical tests, her fears of having damaged joints were assuaged because her hips were found to be healthy.

The actress has resorted to focused physiotherapy, and daily gluteal and hip exercises have made a big difference in her case. "I have to work my tiny little bottom and my hips," said MacDowell, adding: "It takes work every day." She attributes the improvement, "It doesn't hurt anymore—it's a miracle."

Symptoms of Piriformis Syndrome

The spectrum of symptoms can range from a dull ache in the buttock to sharp, sciatica-like pain radiating down the leg. Common signs include:

• Pain exacerbated by sitting, walking, or running for an extended period
• Discomfort while climbing stairs or navigating inclines
• Reduced range of motion in the hip joint

These symptoms, though manageable in mild cases, can become chronic if left untreated. For some, the pain may persist for weeks or months, requiring medical intervention and lifestyle adjustments.

Treatment Options for Piriformis Syndrome

Effective treatment for piriformis syndrome usually involves non-surgical approaches, focusing on relieving pain and addressing the underlying muscle tension. These include:

Personalized exercises to enhance range of motion, strengthen muscles, and reduce compression on the sciatic nerve. Alternating heat and ice packs to reduce inflammation and ease muscle tightness. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen to reduce swelling and pain. Corticosteroid or Botox injections to target inflammation and relax the muscle.

The final step of diagnosis includes more complicated treatments, for instance, surgical or TENS in case the cases are acute or persistent.

Also Read: Collin Farrell Son Has Angelman Syndrome, Know All About This Rare Neurogenetic Disorder

Living with a Neuromuscular Disorder

MacDowell’s experience highlights the broader challenges faced by individuals living with neuromuscular disorders. These conditions, which affect the function of muscles and nerves, impact millions globally. Symptoms often range from muscle weakness and spasms to difficulties with movement and coordination. While conditions like ALS and muscular dystrophy are more well-known, piriformis syndrome reminds us that even less common disorders can significantly impact quality of life.

Though diagnosed, MacDowell remains optimistic and pragmatic about aging. She promotes weightlifting and work with physical therapists so as to maintain muscular strength and mobility. "I think as you age… lift weights, work with a PT person to build your muscles," she advises, thus underlining staying active and the embracing of healthy habits in the aging process.

Former Deputy PM of Australia and Nationals MP Barnaby Joyce said that he has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. Joyce, who was recently re-elected to his New England seat, said he will undergo surgery on Monday. Nearly 25,000 men, on average, are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year, according to statistics by the Australian government.

Speaking to ABC News, the 58-year-old said that he had not experienced any symptoms, but his doctor recommended a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test. The test results indicated elevated PSA levels, leading to an MRI and biopsy that confirmed the cancer diagnosis. Prostate cancer is the most prevalent cancer among men, affecting one in eight men over their lifetime. Joyce expressed gratitude for the early detection and said he is optimistic about making a full recovery.

"If you catch prostate cancer early, it is highly treatable – with a success rate of about 97%," Joyce stated, urging men to be vigilant about symptoms and consider taking the PSA test for early detection. Following the surgery, Joyce plans to take some time off to recover. "I'll be resting as instructed by my family," he said, noting that his wife has prohibited him from engaging in farm work during his recovery period.

How To Identify Prostate Cancer?

Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that occurs when malignant cells form in the prostate gland, which is a walnut-sized gland in the male reproductive system. Prostate cancer treatment guidelines have shifted their path a bit in recent years, with many men opting for active surveillance rather than immediate treatment for slow-growing tumours. However, about 50% of men on "watchful waiting" will require further treatment within 5 years because of the tumour progression. This is what triggered many researchers to aim and identify whether dietary modifications, specifically increasing omega-3 fatty acids, could prolong this surveillance period and slow down the tumour progression.

Prostate cancer that's more advanced may cause signs and symptoms such as:

• Trouble urinating
• Decreased force in the stream of urine
• Blood in the urine
• Blood in the semen
• Bone pain
• Losing weight without trying
• Erectile dysfunction

Prostate cancer treatment and management vary based on the stage and severity of the disease. Early-stage cancer may be monitored through active surveillance, involving regular check-ups without immediate intervention. More advanced cases may require surgery to remove the prostate gland, radiation therapy to target cancer cells, or hormone therapy to reduce testosterone levels that fuel cancer growth. Chemotherapy and targeted drug therapies may also be employed in metastatic cases. Lifestyle modifications, such as a healthy diet, regular exercise, and stress management, can support overall health during treatment. Early detection and timely intervention significantly improve treatment outcomes.

ALSO READ: Prostate Removal Could Be The Solution To Erectile Dysfunction

United States (US) is witnessing a concerning surge in measles cases, with more than 1,000 reported so far since the beginning of 2025. This is only the second time since the disease was declared eliminated in America 25 years ago that the number of cases has risen this high. A widespread outbreak spanning multiple states continues to escalate, placing the country on course for what could become the worst year for measles since 2000.

As of Wednesday, at least 1,002 measles cases have been confirmed this year, based on figures from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state health departments. The majority of these cases (over 800) are linked to a significant outbreak concentrated in West Texas that has spread to New Mexico, Oklahoma, and potentially Kansas. Additional cases from some of these states are expected to be reported on Friday.

Health experts caution that the actual number of measles cases is likely undercounted, as many cases go unreported. The current outbreak underscores a troubling rise in cases, similar to the spike in 2019 when New York City and surrounding areas reported a major surge, contributing to a total of 1,274 confirmed cases that year. By comparison, the first five months of 2025 have already seen 1,002 cases – only 272 fewer than the entire year of 2019.

While the CDC continues to update national data on measles cases every Friday, it has ceased providing specific state-by-state case counts. As of Friday, the CDC reported 935 cases nationwide, with approximately 13% resulting in hospitalization. Only about 4% of the affected individuals had received at least one dose of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. The outbreak has also led to three measles-related deaths this year – equaling the total number of such deaths over the previous two decades.

According to the CDC, a measles outbreak is defined as three or more related cases. So far in 2025, at least 12 such outbreaks have been identified. Besides the large cluster in West Texas, other states experiencing outbreaks include Ohio, with over 30 reported cases, as well as Montana and Michigan.

The rising numbers have prompted Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to call for the CDC to reassess treatments for measles and other infectious diseases. As the outbreak continues to grow, public health officials urge Americans to stay vigilant and ensure they are up to date with MMR vaccinations

Autoimmune illnesses like rheumatoid arthritis (RA), lupus, and systemic sclerosis have long been famous for their creation of chronic inflammation and joint devastation, but new evidence is surfacing that these diseases are subtly damaging the heart—particularly among women. The study, reported in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes, estimated that women who have these disorders are at 50% higher risk of heart disease-related death than men. Although progress has been made in treating autoimmune diseases, the cardiovascular dangers they pose—especially to women—are underdiagnosed and undertreated.

Autoimmune illnesses are much more common in women. Almost twice to three times as many women have RA compared to men, and with lupus, it is nine times as many. Systemic sclerosis, characterized by tightening of the skin and possible damage to internal organs, also occurs more often in women.

The higher cardiovascular death rate in women with these diseases is not just a statistical coincidence. Dr. Heba Wassif, Director of Cardio-Rheumatology at Cleveland Clinic and senior author of the study, highlights that the burden of cardiovascular disease in immune-mediated inflammatory conditions is both substantial and disproportionately impacts women. This prompts important questions about how autoimmune-driven inflammation specifically affects women's cardiovascular health—and why their risks have been so historically underestimated.

In perhaps the most thorough analysis yet, scientists sifted through data on over 281,000 deaths attributed to RA, lupus, and systemic sclerosis between 1999 and 2020. More than 127,000 of those were from heart complications.

While overall mortality rates for heart disease fell—from 3.9 to 2.1 per 100,000 among women and from 1.7 to 1.2 among men—the gap between men and women narrowed only slightly: women continued to die from heart disease at disproportionately higher rates.

Even more alarming, stroke and blocked arteries (atherosclerosis) became the leading killers of women, along with the stark rate of deaths due to irregular heart rhythms and cardiac arrest—over twice that of men.

How Autoimmune Inflammation Damages the Heart?

Autoimmune diseases induce the body to mistakenly attack its own tissues. In RA, the immune system assaults the synovium—the joint lining—leading to swelling, pain, and inflammation. But this inflammation does not end here. It can spread to essential organs, such as the heart, lungs, and blood vessels.

Chronic inflammation promotes the formation of plaque in arteries, damages the linings of blood vessels, and accelerates atherosclerosis—a key risk factor for heart attack and stroke. In addition, the systemic inflammation can provoke arrhythmias and worsen heart failure.

The same medications that treat autoimmune diseases—like corticosteroids and certain immunosuppressants—can also increase cardiovascular risks indirectly by elevating blood pressure, blood sugar, or cholesterol levels if not monitored carefully.

How Heart Diseases have Become a Leading Killer in Autoimmune Patients?

Dr. Issam Motairek, lead author of the study, points to a dramatic change in the perception of mortality among autoimmune patients. "There is a general belief that individuals with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases die mostly from infections or kidney disease," he said. "But our study found that one-third of deaths in this group were caused by cardiovascular disease."

This change points to an urgent necessity to rephrase the way we perceive autoimmune conditions—not only as musculoskeletal or cutaneous problems, but as inflammatory disorders of the whole body with lethal cardiovascular ramifications.

Ways to Control Autoimmune Flares to Keep Your Heart Safe

Most of this cardiovascular danger can be avoided. Here is the way in which women suffering from autoimmune disorders can actively shield their heart:

Early and recurrent cardiovascular screening – At the diagnosis of autoimmune disease, screening should be done by Dr. Wassif and then on a regular basis thereafter. This will include blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose levels, and inflammation markers.

Aggressive inflammation control – Treatment of RA or lupus early and effectively not only benefits the joints but also curtails systemic inflammation that can harm the heart.

Lifestyle interventions – Exercise, a heart-healthy diet, stress reduction, and smoking cessation are even more crucial in this group. Exercise may be difficult during flare-ups, but low-impact exercise such as walking or yoga can be helpful.

Weight control – Achy joints and fatigue can reduce mobility, promoting weight gain. But obesity itself is a principal cause of high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease—each of which multiplies the risks for autoimmune patients.

Collaborative working with healthcare providers – Rheumatologists, cardiologists, and primary care physicians must work in concert. An expert cardio-rheumatology team, such as at premier institutions like Cleveland Clinic, can provide individualized care.

Of all autoimmune conditions researched, rheumatoid arthritis carried the greatest risk of cardiovascular mortality. RA not only inflames joints—it can also cause damage to heart valves, inflammation of the heart muscle (myocarditis), and pericarditis (inflammation of the outer layer of the heart). In addition, RA is frequently accompanied by fatigue, low-grade fever, and decreased activity—all of which can conceal or exacerbate heart disease.

This seminal study should be an eye-opener for both patients and clinicians. It reinforces the need not to brush off symptoms such as palpitations, chest pain, shortness of breath, or fatigue in women with autoimmune diseases. It also highlights the imperative of greater gender-specific research and an overarching, preventive approach to autoimmune diseases—not merely for joint well-being, but for survival.

If you’re a woman living with an autoimmune inflammatory disease, protecting your heart isn't optional—it’s essential. Don’t wait for a cardiac symptom to speak up. Be your own advocate, and demand comprehensive cardiovascular care. Early detection, effective inflammation control, and lifestyle support can go a long way in reducing your risk—and adding years to your life.