A pinched nerve occurs when there is too much pressure or tension on a nerve. An important nerve runs through the calf and around the outside of the knee, providing sensation and movement to the foot.

If this nerve becomes irritated, symptoms may arise. Particularly in the lower leg, the instep and the toes. Sometimes, a pinched nerve in the calf can also affect the strength of the foot or the ability to lift it.

A pinched nerve occurs when a nerve in the lower leg comes under pressure or becomes irritated. This can cause tingling, pain or numbness.

Possible causes include:

a sprained ankle;
pressure on the outside of the knee;
sitting for long periods with your legs crossed;
a plaster cast that is too tight;
tension in muscles or tendons;
an abnormal position of the foot or ankle;
additional strain on the outer side of the lower leg.

The symptoms are often felt on the outer side of the lower leg and may radiate to the instep or toes.

You may notice that:

if you experience tingling or numbness;
the pain feels burning or shooting;
the symptoms worsen when walking or in certain positions;
have less sensation in the instep or toes;
the foot sometimes feels weak or unsteady;
you have difficulty lifting your foot.

Adequate recovery, changing your posture and moving gently within your capabilities can help to reduce irritation of the nerve. Wearing good shoes and avoiding prolonged pressure on the knee, calf or ankle can also be important.

Mental health also plays a part. Stress, poor sleep or excessive worry can make nerve pain, tingling or numbness feel more intense. This can cause you to move more cautiously or, conversely, to keep checking whether the symptom is still present.

Our lifestyle coaches can work with you to find a practical way for you to stay active without putting too much strain on your symptoms. When symptoms cause a great deal of stress, uncertainty or anxiety about moving, our psychologists help people cope with this mental strain.

There is a lot you can do yourself to relieve the pressure on the nerve.

To reduce symptoms, you can:

calf muscle stretching exercises
Do not sit with your legs crossed for too long;
avoid pressure on the outside of the knee;
have tight shoes, braces or bandages checked;
alternate exercise with rest;
do not continue if the tingling increases;
Please contact us if you experience a loss of strength or a numbness that is getting worse.

Our podiatrists We will investigate whether your foot position, gait or ankle stability is affecting your nerve symptoms. We will also look at your footwear and the strain placed on your feet.

Treatment may consist of:

shoe advice;
podiatry insoles to reduce tension and strain;
advice on posture and physical strain;
stretching exercises;
temporary support with tape where appropriate;
collaboration with a physiotherapist.

If the symptoms are consistent with a serious nerve entrapment or if there is a loss of strength, we will refer you back to your GP for further investigation.

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Nerve entrapment in the calf

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