Sciatica Symptoms and Relief

Feeling pain radiating along your lower back down to your hips and legs? How about numbness, weakness, or tingling?

It could be sciatica. Sciatica is a painful condition that impacts the sciatic nerve, it can make simple activities difficult and worsen over time if left untreated.

Read on to learn more about sciatica, its causes, and how to treat it.

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. Typically, sciatica affects only one side of your body.

Sciatica most commonly occurs when a herniated disk, bone spur on the spine, or narrowing of the spine (spinal stenosis) compresses part of the nerve. This causes inflammation, pain, and often some numbness in the affected leg.

The pain associated with sciatica can be severe, but most cases resolve with non-operative treatments in a few weeks. People who have severe sciatica that's associated with significant leg weakness or bowel or bladder changes might be candidates for surgery.

A herniated or slipped disc is one of the most common causes of sciatica.

A herniated disc occurs when the soft, gel-like center of a spinal disc protrudes through a tear in its tough outer layer. This herniation can impinge upon the sciatic nerve causing sciatica. There are other causes worth mentioning though:

Depending on the severity, sciatica could be treated at home with over-the-counter medication. More serious cases require a medical examination and may require surgery.

Insoles can potentially help with sciatica in some cases, especially if the sciatica is exacerbated by foot problems or poor walking mechanics. 

Insoles can help by:

When shopping for insoles to relieve pain from sciatica, here’s what to look for:

• Arch Support: Choose insoles that offer proper arch support tailored to your foot type. For instance, if you have flat feet or high arches, look for insoles designed to accommodate these conditions.
• Cushioning: Good cushioning can help absorb shock and reduce the impact on your spine when you walk or run. This can be particularly beneficial for sciatica relief.
• Heel Support: A deep heel cup in the insole can provide stability and help align the foot, ankle, and leg, reducing stress on the lower back.
• Corrective Features: If you have specific foot issues such as overpronation (inward rolling of the foot) or supination (outward rolling), look for insoles that offer corrective features to address these.
• Activity-Specific Design: Consider what activities you'll be doing. For example, if you're a runner, look for insoles designed for running, which have different features compared to those designed for walking or standing.

Remember, while insoles can help alleviate some symptoms of sciatica, they are not a standalone solution. It's also important to consult with a healthcare professional, such as a podiatrist, physical therapist, or chiropractor, to ensure that the insoles are part of an overall treatment plan for your sciatica.