We Asked Podiatrists to Recommend the Best Shoes for Sciatica—They All Said the Same Thing

From eatingwell.com

By Brierley Horton, M.S., RD

Sciatic pain—commonly called sciatica—refers to pain that occurs when the sciatic nerve becomes irritated, inflamed or compressed. The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body and originates in the lower (lumbar) spine, travels through the pelvis and buttocks and runs down the back of each leg to the foot. 

“What people feel is usually a burning, shooting pain that runs down the leg, but sciatic nerve pain rarely starts where it hurts. The source is often a compressed lumbar disc or a tight piriformis muscle,” says Mikel Daniels, D.P.M., President and Chief Medical Officer at We Treat Feet Podiatry. 

The shoes you wear won’t cure sciatica. But sciatic pain can be affected by how the feet strike the ground, so the right shoes can minimize the kind of motion that irritates the sciatic nerve. “Because sciatic pain can be influenced by how forces travel up from your feet to your hips and lower back during activity, shoes that support alignment and absorb shock can be a useful tool in controlling sciatic pain,” says Anne Sharkey, D.P.M., FACFAS, founder of Solely Podiatry.

Credit:  EatingWell

The Best Shoes for Sciatica, According to Podiatrists 

• Asics Gel-Nimbus 28, $170 at asics.com
• Vionic Walk Max Skyline Sneaker, $175 at vionicshoes.com
• Revitalign Gaia Sneaker, $120 at nordstrom.com
• Brooks Glycerin 23, $175 at brooksrunning.com
• Asics Gel-Kayano 32, $125 (was $165) at zappos.com

So, what should you look for in shoes if you have sciatica? 

Cushioning and shock absorption are important. “The midsole is key—it determines biomechanics, shock absorption and energy return. A shoe with good shock-absorbing capabilities will reduce repetitive stress transmitted up the kinetic chain along the course of the sciatic nerve, thereby decreasing pain,” says Sharkey. “The best midsole materials that are both durable and shock absorbing are EVA, TPU and supercritical foams.” 

Another consideration is heel-to-toe drop. “Look for a medium drop—around 6 to 10 millimetres. A higher heel drop can tilt the pelvis forward and choosing a 0 drop or lower can increase strain through the calf and hamstrings,” says Sharkey. 

Other factors to consider are arch support and stability to lessen pronation and supination and a firm heel counter for stability and alignment. 

When we asked podiatrists which shoes they recommended for sciatic pain, two brands were consistently recommended—Asics and Brooks. But they also gave us other options. Read on for the best shoes to wear for sciatica pain. 

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https://www.eatingwell.com/podiatrist-recommended-best-shoes-for-sciatica-12108627

Sciatica myths busted

From mersearoadclinic.co.uk

Sciatica IS common and affects a number of people of all ages and abilities. Yet it is also surrounded by a number of myths

Sciatica is pain or numbness anywhere along the sciatic nerve (which runs from the lower spine, through the buttocks, and down the backs of the legs) caused by compression of the nerve.

 

Myth: We do not know what actually causes Sciatica

 

Fact: Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve is pinched or compressed, which is often caused by a bulging or herniated disk between the vertebrae in the lower spine.

 

Other causes include a bone growth on the spine itself or by spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal canal. Thorough examination can typically enable us to determine the cause and therefore the best treatment and recovery path.

 

Myth: Sciatica is a diagnosis or a condition

 

Fact: Sciatica is actually a symptom, indicating that something is irritating a nerve root in the lower back. As Osteopaths, our goal is to determine the cause of that pressure on the nerve and advise on the best treatment plan for each patient.

 

Myth: I should stay in bed and rest if I have Sciatica

 

Fact: As with back pain, we recommend that most of our patients will benefit more by remaining active and avoid bed rest. We see little to no benefit to staying in bed compared with staying active for people with sciatica.

 

Myth: Medication is the only way to provide relief from Sciatica

 

Fact: Reaching for an anti-inflammatory drug is generally most people’s first instinct to help ease the pain of sciatica. However “a systematic review and meta-analysis published in February 2012 in the BMJ (British Medical Journal) found a lack of evidence of the efficacy of drugs including NSAIDs, corticosteroids, antidepressants, and opioid analgesics.”

 

Our Osteopaths are highly trained to identify if you are suffering from sciatica using a number of neurological and orthopaedic tests. However, it is not always possible to relieve true sciatica with just osteopathic treatment and your osteopath will know when to send you for further investigations or a different treatment approach.

 

Myth: All leg pain means I have Sciatica

 

Fact: There could be a number of reasons for your leg pain including muscle trains, vascular issues or another nerve being irritated. The symptoms of Sciatica runs from the mid-buttock down the back of the leg, commonly past the knee and down through the calf.

 

Myth: Sciatica is caused by an injury or event

 

Fact: This is not always the case. In most cases the intervertebral disk has a small defect and is ready to herniate, which means the Sciatica is not necessarily caused from any specific event.

 

Myth: Surgery is the only way to truly address Sciatica

 

In most cases, Sciatica can be resolved within about six weeks and do not need surgery. We may recommend other treatment options if the Sciatica is particularly stubborn to treat.

 

Myth: Sciatica cannot be prevented

 

It is true that not all cases of Sciatica can be prevented, but maintaining an active life, correct posture, strong core and body maintenance will all help towards preventing lower back pain and Sciatica. We highly recommend Pilates as an effective form of exercise to help prevent and address Sciatica as it focuses on strengthening your core.

https://www.mersearoadclinic.co.uk/tips-tricks-and-articles/9-sciatica-myths-busted