How To Relieve Sciatica Nerve Causing Knee Pain

Updated on November 7, 2021

Sciatica is a painful condition that can be caused by many different things. It’s important to know what may have caused the nerve to flare up so that you can treat it appropriately. In this article, we’ll talk about how you might relieve sciatica and knee pain with a few simple lifestyle changes.

Before we get into the details of better understanding Sciatica pain and how to relieve it, there are some great topical and natural based remedies that you can try. Such as hemp oil for sciatica nerve pain, there are even sciatica pain relief creams incorporating hemp oil that are known to have very effective results for some who try them.

Does Sciatica Cause Knee Pain?

Sciatica is a condition that causes pain to radiate along the sciatic nerve. This nerve runs from the lower back through each hip and down the back of each leg, ending in both feet. The compression or irritation of this nerve can cause significant pain throughout these areas, causing discomfort when walking, sitting for long periods of time (such as at work), even sleeping on one’s side.

Although it’s possible that you may be suffering from knee pain due to other conditions such as arthritis or bursitis, there are some tell-tale signs to look out for which will help determine if your knee discomfort might actually stem from sciatica.

L4 Radiculopathy

In individuals with sciatica, compression of the L4 spinal nerve root (L4 radiculopathy) is a typical source of knee discomfort. A herniated disc or spinal narrowing caused by a lower-back disorder are two common causes of this nerve root compression. If the L4 nerve root is compressed, you may feel discomfort in the knee.

Tight hamstrings

Tension in your hamstrings, the group of muscles at the rear of your thigh, and sciatica-induced lower back discomfort may all contribute to knee discomfort. When your hamstrings are tense, your lower back’s stability is eroded, the normal curvature of your lower spine is changed, and stresses build up within your spinal joints.

With these modifications, lower back pain and stiffness are more likely. Radiating pain from your lower back to your knee and calf is possible.

If your sciatica is caused by a medical issue with your knee, the problem will generally be addressed. The vast majority of sciatica symptoms can be alleviated through self-care and medical management. Painkilling drugs, physical therapy, and exercise programs are all employed in therapeutic procedures.

L3 Radiculopathy

Knee pain and numbness are symptoms of compression of the L3 nerve root in your mid-back area owing to a lumbar herniated disc or lumbar spinal stenosis. You could also have discomfort in the front of your thigh, hip, or crotch.

Sciatic nerve compression can be very painful; however, there are many things that you can do yourself to help relieve the pain.

How To Relieve Knee Pain From Sciatica

Make sure to get plenty of rest. Have your doctor or orthopedic surgeon order an MRI so they know what’s going on in the back and possibly even have them prescribe a muscle relaxant such as Soma, Flexeril, Zanaflex, etc.

What is one of the most important things for anyone with sciatic nerve pain? The answer would be sleep, here are a few tips that can help you start feeling better right away: 

  1. The body needs time to heal itself when it gets injured – especially if there is pressure placed on major nerves like the sciatic nerve.
  2. Take anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen. This will help with any swelling or pain. It’s also important to reduce stress levels as much as possible. 
  3. There are other options like acupuncture, physical therapy (which may be covered by insurance), steroid shots into the nerves that run down each leg, etc.
  4. If you feel that your pain is not going away or getting worse despite doing all these things at home and it’s time to seek professional help from a physical therapist, chiropractor, orthopedic doctor, or something else – do so as soon as possible.

What should I avoid if I have sciatica in my knee?

Avoid any actions that make your symptoms worse. Do not ignore signs of knee sciatica, as this can make your problem worse and delay your recovery.

When Should Someone With Sciatica Visit a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, please see your doctor immediately:

  1. It has been more than 24 hours since the accident, and the discomfort has not gotten any better.
  2. If the afflicted individual is under the age of 20 or over the age of 55 and has sciatica for the first time, they should consult with a doctor.
  3. Someone who has been diagnosed with cancer or has had it in the past is a candidate for this technique.
  4. The patient is extremely thin or has recently lost a lot of weight, trembling, sweating profusely, and has a fever with back discomfort.
  5. The victim is HIV positive or takes IV medications.
  6. After more than a week or two, someone has difficulty bending forward.
  7. The afflicted person notices that the problem is getting worse over time.

If any of the following complications accompany sciatica, go to an emergency department at a hospital:

  1. Despite using first-aid methods, the pain is excruciating.
  2. The discomfort is in the middle of the chest, around the heart.
  3. He or she is unable to move or feel his or her legs and feet.
  4. The afflicted person’s bladder control or limb numbness is lost in his or her genitals. 
  5. A person’s temperature is above normal (greater than or equal to 101 F).

Conclusion

The sciatic nerve can cause pain and discomfort in your lower back, buttocks, hip area, or even down the leg. It is important to see a doctor if you have been experiencing these symptoms for more than two weeks as this could be indicative of another medical condition such as spinal stenosis. In some cases, however, it may require only home care with things like ice packs and prescription medication to relieve the pressure on that nerve which will stop the pain from spreading. As always, talk to your physician about what treatment plan best suits your individual needs!

+ posts

Throughout the year, our writers feature fresh, in-depth, and relevant information for our audience of 40,000+ healthcare leaders and professionals. As a healthcare business publication, we cover and cherish our relationship with the entire health care industry including administrators, nurses, physicians, physical therapists, pharmacists, and more. We cover a broad spectrum from hospitals to medical offices to outpatient services to eye surgery centers to university settings. We focus on rehabilitation, nursing homes, home care, hospice as well as men’s health, women’s heath, and pediatrics.