Sciatica is a common type of pain affecting the sciatic nerve, a
large nerve extending from your lower back down the back of each leg. Common symptoms of sciatica include: Sciatica usually affects only one side of the lower body. Often, the pain extends from the lower back all the way through the back of your thigh and down through your leg. Depending on where the sciatic nerve is affected, the pain may also extend to the foot or toes. For some people, the pain from sciatica can be severe and disabling. For others, the sciatica pain might be infrequent and irritating, but has the potential to get worse. Seek
medical attention right away if you have: Sciatica results from irritation of the root(s) of your lower lumbar and lumbosacral spine. Additional common causes of sciatica include: Other things that may make you more likely to have sciatica include: If your doctor thinks you have sciatica, you’ll get a physical exam so they can check your reflexes and see how strong your muscles are. They might have you do certain activities, like walking on your heels or toes, to see what’s causing your pain. If your pain is severe, the doctor might order imaging tests to check for bone spurs and herniated disks. You could get tests like:
Sciatica TreatmentMost people with sciatica feel better after self-care activities or at-home remedies like:
But if your pain isn’t getting better, your doctor might suggest other options. Medication Your doctor might recommend a few different types of medication, including:
Physical therapy A physical therapist can show you how to do exercises that will improve your posture and make you more flexible. They’ll also make the muscles that support your back stronger. Steroid injections Your doctor might recommend you get steroid injections, like a cortisone shot. They’ll give you a shot that has medicine to help with inflammation around the nerve, which can help reduce your pain. The effects usually last a few months, but they’ll wear off over time. Surgery If you have extreme pain that doesn’t get better, weakness, or a loss of bladder or bowel control, your doctor might recommend surgery. They’ll take out the bone spur or herniated disk that’s pressing on your nerves and causing your pain. How do you relieve sciatic pain in the heel?If you have foot pain that is related to sciatica, taking painkillers or anti-inflammatory drugs should initially help to relieve it. It can also be helpful to apply a hot or cold compress to the painful area.
Can sciatica make your heel hurt?Heel pain secondary to sciatica is a result of pressure on the L5-S1 nerve root, which provides segmental innervation to the posterior thigh, and the gluteal, anterior, posterior and lateral leg muscles, as well as sensation to the heel.
What does sciatica pain in foot feel like?Some people have sharp pain in one part of the leg or hip and numbness in other parts. The pain or numbness may also be felt on the back of the calf or on the sole of the foot. The affected leg may feel weak. Sometimes, your foot gets caught on the ground when walking.
Why do I have nerve pain in my heel?Causes of Nerve Entrapment and Heel Pain
Plantar or calcaneal nerve entrapment is most common among people who overpronate while walking or running. People who participate in high impact sports with repetitive motions are also at risk. Ill-fitting shoes are another culprit, and can cause the nerve to become entrapped.
|