Treatment Options For Sciatica-Related Foot Pain
The sciatic nerve can become inflamed as a result of an injury, compression, or a herniated disc. When you develop symptoms as a result of sciatic nerve problems, you may have sciatica. This condition typically causes severe back pain that can radiate to your buttocks, hips, and legs and may also cause numbness and tingling sensations. Sciatic nerve problems may also affect your feet, raising your risk for extreme pain and ambulation problems. Here are some pain management treatment options for sciatica-related foot pain.
Stretching
Performing stretching exercises helps promote circulation to the sciatic nerve, reduces inflammation, and enhances the healing process. If you do not know how to properly stretch your back, legs, and feet, your condition may worsen instead of improving.
Your physician can recommend appropriate stretching exercises that will help improve your foot pain related to your sciatica. Your doctor may even refer you to a physical therapist, who can further recommend effective pain management treatment options so that you can perform your activities of daily living more effectively.
It is important to note, that while stretching can help relieve your symptoms, your doctor may recommend that you avoid exercising or extreme movements if you are experiencing severe sciatic nerve pain.
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatories
While severe pain may warrant the use of prescription medications, your doctor may recommend over-the-counter, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, also known as NSAIDs. Not only are NSAIDs highly effective in managing mild to moderate foot pain associated with sciatica, but they also help decrease inflammation, which is the hallmark of sciatic nerve problems.
Ibuprofen and naproxen sodium are classified as NSAIDs; however, other over-the-counter pain relief medications such as acetaminophen are not. While acetaminophen is effective in decreasing mild pain and fever, it does not have anti-inflammatory properties, and because of this, it is ineffective in treating nerve inflammation. Also, in certain people, NSAIDs can cause digestive problems such as heartburn and stomach pain.
Taking your medication with a full glass of water or taking it with a meal may help reduce digestive side effects. If you have peptic ulcer disease or bleeding tendencies, talk to your physician before self-prescribing NSAIDs for your sciatic nerve pain because taking these medications may heighten your risk for abnormal bleeding.
To learn more about treatment options for sciatica-related foot pain, see your physician. After a comprehensive physical examination, he or she will recommend an individualized treatment plan to help relieve your symptoms. Ask a professional for other pain management techniques.
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