Sciatica, leg numbness?

Sciatica may cause numbness in the leg.

When the sciatic nerve is compressed along its path by factors such as a herniated disc or lumbar spinal stenosis, nerve signaling is affected, resulting in numbness in the leg. This numbness may occur along the sciatic nerve distribution areas, such as the buttocks, the back of the thigh, the outer leg, and the foot. Inflammatory diseases such as sciatica may also stimulate the sciatic nerve, causing leg numbness. Inflammation can lead to increased sensitivity of nerves and interfere with normal nerve function, resulting in abnormal sensations such as numbness in the legs. If sciatica persists and is not effectively treated, it may lead to continuous nerve damage. In this case, leg numbness may gradually increase, and even muscle weakness and atrophy may occur.