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Sciatica refers to pain that follows the pathway of the sciatic nerve. It travels from the lower back through the buttocks, down the legs, and into the feet. When this nerve becomes irritated or compressed, symptoms can extend into the lower extremities. This can affect aspects of foot health and mobility. Podiatrists and other specialists can play a central role in evaluating and managing symptoms that affect the feet.
What Is Sciatica?
The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body. It originates from nerve roots in the spine, then branches out to supply the thigh, leg, and foot. Sciatica occurs when the nerve is subjected to compression or injury at any point along its path. Common causes of sciatic nerve compression include herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or trauma affecting the spine or surrounding tissues. When pressure is applied to the nerve, symptoms may be felt not only in the lower back but also along the entire course of the nerve. This includes the affected leg and foot.
Sciatica is a symptom rather than a specific diagnosis. It typically arises from identifiable structural changes in the spine or related musculature that disrupt the function or integrity of the sciatic nerve. The underlying causes of these changes may result from wear and tear, injury, or anatomical variations that alter the relationship between the nerve and adjacent tissues.
What Are the Symptoms?
Symptoms of sciatica often involve pain that radiates from the lower back into one leg, sometimes reaching the foot and toes. The pain can range from a dull ache to a sharp, burning sensation, and is usually limited to one side of the body. In the foot, symptoms may include pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, or changes in sensation. Some people experience “pins-and-needles” in part or all of the foot. Gait abnormalities and compensatory patterns may develop in response to pain or weakness. Altered movement can increase stress on foot and ankle structures, sometimes resulting in secondary problems such as tendonitis.
How Is It Treated?
Management of sciatica is guided by the underlying cause of nerve irritation, as well as the severity of the symptoms. Treatment often involves a coordinated approach with input from various healthcare professionals. Podiatrists can become involved specifically when there are changes in the feet or gait due to sciatic symptoms.
Treatment of sciatica typically begins with conservative care. This may include rest, modification of activities, use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to alleviate discomfort, and application of heat or ice for symptom relief. Stretching and gentle movement can help reduce pressure on the sciatic nerve and may relieve symptoms over time.
Physical therapy is often recommended as a core part of management, providing exercises that focus on strengthening muscles, improving flexibility, and supporting proper posture to reduce nerve irritation. In cases where symptoms persist or worsen, healthcare providers may explore additional interventions. Spinal injections, such as epidural steroid injections, may be used to reduce inflammation around the affected nerve roots and provide temporary pain relief, allowing patients to participate more fully in physical rehabilitation.
Seek Professional Medical Relief
When symptoms of pain, weakness, or numbness affect both the back and feet, prompt evaluation is recommended to ascertain the cause, with coordination between medical and podiatric professionals. Podiatrists are equipped to assess changes in foot health and gait related to sciatic disorders and to develop management plans. Early consultation with medical experts can help identify the origin of symptoms and guide care aimed at restoring safe, effective movement.
