What Are the Symptoms of a Trapped Nerve in the Leg?
Symptoms of a pinched or compressed nerve in the leg include pain in the area of the compressed nerve or pain that radiates down the leg, states WebMD. Other possible symptoms include weakness in the leg, numbness, tingling, a burning sensation, or a pins-and-needles feeling.
Pinching or compression of the sciatic nerve often leads to pain that comes and goes; in some cases it is constant, says Spine-health. The level of pain ranges from a dull ache to excruciating, depending on where the source of compression lies and whether there are any underlying medical conditions. The pain sometimes stays in one leg or buttock. It sometimes worsens when a person sits, stands or walks.
Treatment of compressed nerves often involves resting and avoiding activities that aggravate the nerve, reports WebMD. The protective barrier around a nerve breaks down in some cases if nerve compression goes untreated long enough. This causes fluid to build up, leading to swelling, scarring and eventually to interference of the function of the nerve.
The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the body. It starts in the lower back and runs down the back of each leg into the feet and toes, states Spine-health. The array of symptoms for pinched or compressed nerves in the leg is unique to the individual.
