Numb foot and sciatic nerve: what is the link? (explanation)

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Le nerf sciatica plays an important role in the functioning of the lower limbs of the body. It controls the movements and sensations in these places. This is why in the event of inflammation, pinching or damage to the sciatic nerve, pain and various unpleasant sensations are felt as a numbness foot. It is on this symptom in particular that the article will focus. What is the connection between numb foot and sciatica?? And, what to do to relieve it? Let's see the answers.

Definition and anatomy

Some anatomical notions of the lumbar spine and the sciatic nerve

Before talking about the sciatica, it is important to start with the anatomy of the lumbar spine and sciatic nerve.

La lumbar spine is a part of the spine located at the lower back. It is made up of 5 vertebrae named L1 to L5, followed by the 5 sacral vertebrae named S1 to S5.

Between two successive vertebrae is born a nerve called spinal nerve. This one emerges from the spinal cord.

The connection of the spinal nerves which come from the vertebrae L4, L5, S1, S2, S3 form the sciatic nerve. It's a mixed nerve. He is both a motor nerve and sensory nerve. It ensures the transmission of nerve impulses and the movement of the legs.

Classified as the largest nerve and the longest of the body, the course of the sciatic nerve begins in The PelvisAnd in the buttock. It goes down to the level of the knee where it will ramify into two main branches: the tibial nerve and the common peroneal nerve. These two new nerves will also branch out to innervate the sole and back of the foot.

To learn more about the sciatic nerve, click here.

Definition and explanation of sciatica

La sciatica correspond to a pain felt along the path of the sciatic nerve. It often appears as a result of theirritation or compressure of the sciatic nerve. It is also called the sciatic nerve neuralgia.

La sciatic pain is localized at the level of the leg (on the buttock, or the thigh) and it sometimes radiates to the foot. It's a pain unilateral. It only affects the part of the body where there is inflammation of the nerve. However, both legs can be affected.

The pain due to sciatica is benign, but is very often disabling. To treat it, it is necessary to consult a doctor.

If you would like more information on sciatica, click here.

The causes of sciatica

La herniated disc is the most popular cause of sciatica (85% of cases). It is a disease caused by the deterioration of the lumbar disc between two vertebrae.

On the other hand, all other causes which cause a spinal injury or an pressure on the sciatic nerve can also trigger the sciatic pain. We can cite :

  • lifting heavy things;
  • poor posture;
  • osteoarthritis;
  • spinal trauma;
  • spinal infections;
  • spinal conditions;
  • diseases that affect the spine;
  • the tumor of the spinal cord located at the level of the lumbar;
  • the pregnancy.

Symptoms of sciatica

La sciatica manifests itself in several ways.

La pain in the buttocks or in the leg is the main symptom of the disease. When at the same time you feel pain in the Lumbar spine, sciatica takes the form lumbosciatica.

As for other associated symptoms, they include:

  • weakening of the leg;
  • difficult walking;
  • cramps;
  • the feeling of an electric shock;
  • foot numbness.

This last symptom refers to a loss of sensitivity. It manifests as a tingling or burning sensation in the foot, to which is added a slight paralysis.

Note that the symptoms of sciatica intensify considerably when exerting intense physical effort or when sitting too long.

Numb and sciatica foot, what link?

The roles of the sciatic nerve are numerous. He sends sensory signals to the brain. It is also involved in movement control. thigh, leg and ankle.

THEirritation (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) and the endamage sciatic nerve disrupts the passage of all its impulses nervous. They can even be blocked.

And as for the foot, only the sciatic nerve is responsible for the innervation in this area. During sciatica, nerve information arrives badly at the level of the foot. This explains the feeling of paresthesia and that's when you feel numbness.

numbness of the foot is often associated with other symptoms. We can cite: the sensation of electric shock, lumbar pain, pain in the leg and weakening of the leg muscles.

What to do in case of numb foot?

Before starting any treatment, you must first clarify the diagnosis to know the exact cause of the numbness of the foot. This is what will make it possible to provide a solution adapted to the situation.

To do this, consult a medical specialist. To obtain a reliable track on the existing disease, the latter will inquire about the symptoms and carry out some physical examinations. Depending on the results of the inspection and those of the examinations, he recommends the appropriate medications in the case of the patient.

Apart from the treatments recommended by the specialist, it is also essential to wear appropriate footwears and maintain good hygiene of the foot.

If you want to know more about the numb foot, click here.

What about natural remedies?

Although they are not supported by solid scientific evidence, several natural products and home remedies are used to treat the numbness and pain of sciatica, especially for their anti-inflammatory power. It is essential to consult a doctor beforehand, mainly to avoid drug interactions and side effects.

Here is a non-exhaustive list of plants and essential oils that are effective in controlling pain and inflammation. The products are available on the site Country. Use promo code LOMBAFIT15 if you wish to obtain one of the following products, or any remedy aimed at relieving your symptoms and improving your quality of life:

  • Turmeric. Thanks to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory powers very powerful, turmeric is one of the most used plants in a culinary and therapeutic context. The composition of turmeric is essentially made of essential oils, vitamins (B1, B2, B6, C, E, K) and trace elements. But it is to its composition rich in curcumin and curcuminoids that we owe them and calm skin of this spice.
  • Ginger. In addition to the special flavor it brings to the kitchen and its aphrodisiac properties, ginger is a root well known for its anti-inflammatory powers. the gingerol gives it its anti-inflammatory action. It is an active component acting on the inflammatory pain related to chronic joint inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, rheumatic diseases, etc. It has been proven that this active element is also effective in acting on the inflammation linked to arthritis and sciatica. Ginger also has other benefits thanks to its high potassium content and its richness in trace elements (calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium) and vitamins (provitamin and vitamin B9).
  • Omega-3s. Omega-3s are polyunsaturated fatty acids that play a very important role in the functioning of our body. They are provided by food in three natural forms: docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), alpha linolenic acid (ALA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Beyond their action on the brain and the cardiovascular system, omega-3s prove very effective against inflammation. Indeed, they have the ability to act on the inflammatory mechanisms in osteoarthritis by slowing down cartilage destruction, thus they reduce the intensity of osteoarthritis pain. Since sciatica is most often linked to inflammation secondary to a herniated disc, it can also respond to omega-3s if you consume them regularly. 
  • Lemon eucalyptusEucalyptus is a plant most often used in the form of herbal tea or essential oil. She would have anti-inflammatory effects which give it the ability to act on the bone and joint pain in general and the pain of sciatica in particular.
  • wintergreen. Wintergreen is a shrub from which a very interesting essential oil is extracted. It is one of the most used essential oils in aromatherapy. This oil extracted from the shrub bearing the same name, is used in massage to relieve sciatica and act like a analgesic. Indeed, it provides a heating effect thanks to its ability toactivate blood circulation locally.

Remember that these products do not replace medical treatment. Do not hesitate to consult for support adapted to your condition.

Are you looking for solutions to relieve your pain?

Discover the opinion of our team of health professionals on various products available on the market (posture, sleep, physical pain), as well as our recommendations.

References

https://ressourcessante.salutbonjour.ca/condition/getcondition/sciatique

https://chiroste-foy.com/sciatique-sciatalgie/

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