Thank you Customer (name blocked for privacy), for your vote of confidence.
The sciatic nerve controls the muscles of the back of the knee and lower leg and provides sensation to the back of the thigh, part of the lower leg and the sole of the foot. When the nerve is mentioned we typically think of "Sciatica" and back, buttock and leg pain. Lesions of the sciatic nerve can actually occur at varying points along the nerve pathway, each causing a different set of symptoms.
A lesion at the peroneal division of sciatic nerve (which supplies front of leg, dorsum of ankle and foot) causes sensory loss in the dorsum of foot. A lesion at the tibial division of the sciatic nerve (which supplies: back of leg, sole of foot, and lateral side of foot) causes sensory loss in the sole of foot. Both are often painless, and may result from direct trauma to the nerve area (buttock).
Simple, minor injuries to the nerve typically resolve spontaneously. A neuroseurgeon can perform a nerve conduction test to investigate possible nerve injury, but treatment with no other symptoms will be minimal. A very good source for inforamtion on nerve injury and treatments may be found at:
http://www.emedicine.com/NEURO/topic382.htm#targetD
A visit to the Doctor is necessary if numbness persists, gets worse or spreads. Self care and observatiion may be an option at this time, but only if numbness begins to improve and no new symptoms arise. Comparing your symptoms to those common to sciatic nerve injury is in no way a diagnosis. It is simply a guideline in determining the best options available for your needs.
Any intervention at home will be symptom relief only. Absence of inflammation, neuropathy and muscle spasm will make certain common home treatments for peripheral nerve injury unecessary. You can maintain body mechanics and posture through the day to avoid pressure on the nerve, gentle stretching exercises or yoga to maintain muscle flexibility, circulation and prevent spasms. Gently massage the foot and use the reflexology point for the sciatic nerve located on the side corner of the heel. For a chart and techniques go to:
http://wischik.com/lu/massage/ljwinstruct.html
If you have any sudden or dramatic change in sensation, strength or motor control in your leg, loss of bladder control, onset of pain, swelling, white or blue discoloration, cold sensation, or chest pain, shortness of breath, seek emergency treatment. If your Doctor has a long wait pperiod for an appointment, or you want to see a Neurologist, consider setting up the appointment immediately for early next week. You can always cancel, but should see the Doctor if numbness has not resolved.
If you have follow up questions, please let me know, I will be happy to help. I hope you feel better soon, tkae care, Christy
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I hope my information is helpful. If you have more questions, just ask! I will gladly help, otherwise please click "accept".
Positive feedback and any bonus would be appreciated. Thank you, Christy
