Sciatica

What is Sciatica?

Sciatica is a condition involving pain, weakness, numbness, or tingling in the leg. It occurs when there is damage to the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is located in the back of the leg. It controls the muscles of the back of the knee and lower leg and provides sensation to the back of the thigh, part of the lower leg and the sole of the foot.

Sciatica is also called sciatic nerve dysfunction

What Causes Sciatica?

Sciatica is caused by injury to or compression of the sciatic nerve.

The most common injuries that cause sciatica are:

• Injection into the buttocks.
• Prolonged external pressure on the nerve.
• Pressure on the nerve from nearby body structures.
• Pressure on the nerve where it passes through a narrow structure.
• The sciatic nerve is commonly injured by fractures of the pelvis, gunshot wounds, or other trauma to the buttocks or thigh.
• Diabetes.
• Tumor or abscess.
• Bleeding in the pelvis.

In many cases, no cause can be identified.

Note: A ruptured lumbar disk in the spine may cause symptoms that simulate the symptoms of sciatic nerve dysfunction.

Symptoms of Sciatica

The most common symptoms of sciatica are:

• Sensation changes
  • Of the back of the calf or the sole of the foot
  • Numbness, decreased sensation
  • Tingling, burning sensation
  • Pain
  • Abnormal sensations
• Weakness of the knee or foot
  • Difficulty walking
  • Inability to move the foot (in severe cases)
  • Inability to bend the knee (in severe cases)

Can Sciatica be Treated?

Yes. Treatment will depend on the cause. Treatments are usually aimed at maximizing mobility and independence. Surgical removal of lesions that press on the nerve, such as a herniated disc, may relieve symptoms. Injections can be used to reduce inflammation around the nerve. Medication may be prescribed to reduce nerve pain.

Physical therapy exercises may be appropriate for some people to maintain muscle strength. The use of braces, splints, orthopedic shoes, or other appliances may help compensate for lost or impaired function.

Complications of Sciatica

Some complications of sciatica are:

• Partial or complete loss of leg movement.
• Partial or complete loss of sensation in the leg.
• Recurrent or unnoticed injury to the leg.
• Side effects of medications.