Sciatica
Sciatica refers to the sharp, shooting pain that radiates from the lower back down through the buttock and into the leg, caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve.
Overview
What is it?
Sciatica is not actually a specific medical diagnosis itself; rather, it is a symptom of an underlying problem. It describes pain that travels along the path of the sciatic nerve—the longest and thickest nerve in the body—which runs from your lower spine, through your hips and buttocks, and branches down each leg into the feet.
How common is it?
It is very common, affecting up to 40% of people at some point in their lives. It most frequently appears in people between the ages of 30 and 50.
Symptoms & Causes
What are the symptoms?
The hallmark symptom is pain that radiates from the lower back or buttock down the back of one leg. It can reach all the way to the calf, and often into the foot and toes.
What does it feel like?
The pain can vary widely, from a mild ache to a sharp, burning sensation or excruciating jolts of pain similar to an electric shock. It is often worse when coughing, sneezing, or sitting for long periods. Crucially for podiatry patients, it can also cause numbness, tingling ("pins and needles"), or muscle weakness in the affected leg or foot.
What causes it?
Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve is pinched or irritated, usually at the point where it exits the spine.
- Herniated Disc: The most common cause, where a spinal disc bulges and presses on the nerve root.
- Piriformis Syndrome: Sometimes, a tight muscle deep in the buttock (the piriformis) can compress the nerve, mimicking spinal sciatica.
- Spinal Stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal in older adults.
Some health conditions can include:
- Spondylolisthesis: A condition where one vertebra slips forward over another, narrowing the nerve exit space.
How is it Diagnosed?
While the root cause is often in the back, patients frequently visit Foot Factor because the most bothersome symptoms—pain, numbness, or weakness—are felt in the foot.
What tests are used to diagnose it?
- Neurological Screening: We perform essential tests on your lower limbs, checking your reflexes (ankle jerk), muscle strength (ability to lift your big toe or foot), and sensation to pinpoint which part of the nerve is affected.
- Tension Tests: Clinical tests such as the Straight Leg Raise can help confirm if the pain is coming from nerve irritation.
- Gait Analysis: We observe how the pain or weakness is altering the way you walk, which often leads to secondary pain in the unaffected foot due to overcompensation.
Foot Factor provides Expert Podiatry Treatment Tailored to You.
At Foot Factor, our podiatrists specialise in diagnosing and treating foot pain with precision and expertise. With advanced gait analysis, bespoke orthotics, and sports-focused podiatry care, we don’t just identify the problem—we provide a targeted solution to get you back to moving pain-free. Book a consultation today and take the first step toward lasting relief.
How is it Treated?
Most cases of sciatica resolve with time and conservative management (physiotherapy, activity modification). Foot Factor provides vital supportive care for the lower limb complications during this recovery period.
- Managing Foot Drop: If severe sciatica causes "foot drop" (inability to lift the front of the foot), we can provide specialised ankle braces or orthotics that lift the foot for you, preventing trips and allowing a more normal walking pattern.
- Offloading Orthotics: If you have altered your gait to avoid pain, you may be heavily overloading other areas of your feet. Custom orthotics can redistribute this pressure, preventing secondary injuries like plantar fasciitis in your "good" leg.
- Footwear Advice: Advising on shoes with excellent shock absorption to reduce the jolt transmitted up to the back with each step.
Our Bespoke Orthotics give you the Right Support for Long-Term Relief.
At Foot Factor, our podiatrists specialise in diagnosing and treating foot pain with precision and expertise. With advanced gait analysis, bespoke orthotics, and sports-focused podiatry care, we don’t just identify the problem—we provide a targeted solution to get you back to moving pain-free. Book a consultation today and take the first step toward lasting relief.
Related Articles
Find expert tips, advice, and insights to support your foot health and active lifestyle.