Sciatica refers to pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which branches from your lower back through your hips and buttocks and down each leg. Sciatica most commonly occurs when a herniated disk, bone spur on the spine, or narrowing of the spine compresses part of the nerve. Learn more about sciatica.
What Causes Sciatica?
A herniated or slipped disc is one of the most common causes of sciatica. Other causes include:
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Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: This condition involves a narrowing of the spinal canal in the lower back, which can put pressure on the nerves.
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Age: Age can cause changes in the discs, leading to sciatica.
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Spondylolisthesis: A condition in which one vertebra slips forward over another one, leading to spinal nerve root compression.
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Piriformis Syndrome: The piriformis muscle in the buttocks can irritate or pinch a nearby sciatic nerve.
Treatment for Sciatica
Depending on the severity of your case, you may be able to treat sciatica at home through self-care and over-the-counter pain medication. Severe cases may require physical therapy to improve posture or surgery to correct serious issues.
How Insoles Help With Sciatica
Insoles can potentially help with sciatica in some cases. This is especially the case if the sciatica is exacerbated by foot problems or poor walking mechanics. Insoles help in the following ways:
- Cushioning throughout the insole absorbs impact forces when walking, reducing the shock that travels up through your legs and spine, which helps minimize irritation of the sciatic nerve.
- Proper arch support promotes better alignment from feet through the legs and spine, reducing pressure on the lower back where the sciatic nerve originates and helping maintain better posture throughout the day.
- Deep heel cups provide stability and prevent excessive side-to-side motion, which helps maintain proper pelvic alignment and reduces pressure on the nerve roots in the lower spine.
- Even weight distribution from heel to toe helps correct compensatory walking patterns that people with sciatica often develop, preventing these altered movements from creating additional strain on the lower back.
- Support under the ball of the foot encourages proper forward weight transfer when walking, reducing the tendency to shift weight backward onto the heels - a common pattern that can increase lower back strain and sciatic nerve irritation.
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