Sciatica
Sciatica is leg pain that is caused by the pinching of the sciatic nerve that runs down the length of the leg from the buttocks to the toes. The pain may be so intense that it makes it impossible to sit or stand. Lesser sciatica pain may feel simply like a bad leg cramp. Other symptoms include tingling, burning, and abnormal sensations in the sole of the foot and back of the calf. In the worst case scenarios, sufferers may lose the ability to bend the knee, foot, or toes
In addition to the pinched sciatic nerve itself, sciatica can also be caused by a slipped or herniated disc in the back that is applying pressure to the root of a nerve. Other conditions that cause sciatica include Spinal Stenosis, Piriformis Syndrome, and Spondylolisthesis. Time and rest is the best therapy for sciatica, and there are several ergonomic products, braces, and cold packs that may help relieve its symptoms. |
