A common cause given for leg pain is muscle strain, and this may be attributed to standing for a long time, exercising incorrectly, or getting older. But sometimes, there may be something different going on. A pain that begins in the lower back and radiates down the buttock and to the leg, may indicate irritation or pressure on the sciatic nerve, and is referred to as sciatica.
In some cases, the discomfort may be primarily experienced in the leg, and there may be very little discomfort in the back. This can be one explanation as to why people may confuse sciatica with leg muscle or joint pain. Not all people suffering from sciatica require a surgery. With the right kind of rest, and the use of the remedies as prescribed by a physician, physiotherapy and a gradual return to normal activity, many people get better. Treatment depends on the cause and severity of the symptoms. Avoiding making every leg ache a diagnosis of sciatica is also important. Your doctor can evaluate your symptoms, motion, muscle strength and reflexes and might suggest imaging if needed. (Dr. Kalidutta Das is chief and director of spine services, ISIC Multispeciality Hospital. [email protected])
Similar symptoms can occur due to problems involving the muscles, joints, blood vessels or other nerves, which is why it is important to consult a doctor.
