Sciatica
Sciatica is a type of nerve pain that is not always present, but can be triggered by various movements. It involves irritation or inflammation of the large nerve that runs from the lower back through the hip to the foot. The nerve pain starts in the back and runs through the buttock and down into the leg.
What is sciatica?
Sciatica is a nerve pain which is not always present, but can be triggered by various movements. It involves irritation or inflammation of the large nerve that runs from the lower back via the hip to the foot. The nerve pain starts in the back and runs through the buttock and down into the leg.
Causes of sciatica
Sciatica is caused by direct pressure on the nerve, for example due to narrowing of the intervertebral disc, causing the vertebrae to shift. The nerve becomes pinched, and the extent to which this causes you discomfort depends on the pressure on the nerve.
The problems are often caused by a change in the function or position of the lower back, the pelvis or the leg. Irritation and, ultimately, inflammation of the sciatic nerve is often due to strain on the lower back, problems with the vertebrae or intervertebral discs, osteoarthritis (wear and tear), (bone) diseases and arthritis (joint inflammation) in the lower back and pelvis.
Sciatica symptoms
- Stinging or burning nerve pain in the buttock and pain radiating down the leg.
- Mild, nagging pain
- Severe stabbing pain
- The sudden bursts of pain can sometimes make it difficult to stand upright
- Possible muscle weakness, numbness or tingling in the leg, foot or toes
- Tight muscles in the back or buttocks
- Possibly reduced reflexes in the knees and ankles
- The back may feel hard and stiff
Sciatica treatment by a podiatrist
Our podiatrists can assess whether your back problems are caused by an incorrect foot position, leg length discrepancy, abnormalities in your gait or whether it is related to your footwear.
The podiatrist can give you tailored advice regarding your daily activities or a suitable shoe advice. In addition, the podiatrist can, by means of arch supports to correct your incorrect foot position or, in the event of a leg-length discrepancy, to rectify this.
Can a podiatrist help with neglected sciatica?
In the case of neglected sciatica, a person has been living with the symptoms caused by sciatica for some time, without having done anything about it. Even with neglected sciatica, a visit to a podiatrist is a good idea. The podiatrist will investigate the cause of the back pain and attempt to correct it.
