Sciatic pain & leg numbness while jogging

[itselenax]

Hi all! I know the advice will probably to speak with my GP but wondered if anyone had any fixes to this while I wait for an appointment. Basically, I get sciatic pain in lower back and left leg for about a week at a time, on-off every month or so. Yesterday while out for my jog, as I was doing my last jog I suddenly had numbness in my entire left leg. It lasted about 10-15 minutes. Has anyone else ever had this problem? I'm a bit worried that it's nerve compression/herniated disc as I am overweight. Thanks!

[Sandraj39 Graduate]

Yep, your GP (or possibly a very good Sports physio or chiropractor) is the person to speak to.

I experienced sciatica a few years ago as a result of a bulging disc (not running related) compressing on the nerve. The pain was horrendous and resulted in damage to my sciatic nerve which in turn caused footdrop. I had trouble controlling the drop of my left foot for several months and had to almost learn how to run again! 😮 To other people, my gait now appears normal but I am still aware of the difference in strength between my legs, especially towards the end of a long run.

I think what I'm trying to say, is it's important to take any sciatica seriously - especially if it's an intermittent problem already. It may be worth looking at the shoes you are wearing as the right pair can make all the difference. You can get a gait analysis done at a local runnnig shop and they will recommend the best pair for you.

Best of luck with getting some help with this and also your Couch to 5K journey. 🙂👍

[itselenax Graduate in reply to Sandraj39]

Hi Sandra! Thanks so much for this information, it's very helpful. Yes sciatica is absolutely horrible isn't it! I'm not very inclined to go to the GP usually but I suppose I'll bite the bullet and book an appointment, I don't want it affect my gait in the future. Thanks for the heads up on that.

I'm actually going to a gait analysis place soon so I'm hoping that will also help, fingers crossed. Thanks

[Sandraj39 Graduate in reply to itselenax]

I think that the gait analysis and a new pair of shoes could really help. 🤞I don't want to worry unduly - the nerve damage I got is pretty rare I think!

On the positive side - runnning has strengthened my back (in fact my whole core) and I don't find it a trigger for back pain generally - gardening, sweeping and bending over doing diy is much more of a trigger!

Good luck with your running! 😀