Sciatica & Nerve-Related Pain at Foot Foundation
Sciatica describes pain caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back down into the hips, legs, and feet. Symptoms can include shooting pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness along the nerve pathway.
While the compression usually starts in the lumbar spine, the way the feet and lower limbs move can make symptoms worse. Flat feet, excessive pronation, or leg length differences can increase pelvic tilt and stress through the lower back. At Foot Foundation, we address these biomechanical drivers with orthotics, footwear optimisation, and gait retraining, while coordinating care with spinal specialists when needed.
What is Sciatica & Nerve-Related Pain?
Sciatica refers to pain caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back down through the hips, legs, and feet. Symptoms may include shooting pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness along the nerve pathway.
Although the nerve compression typically occurs in the lumbar spine, foot and lower limb biomechanics often influence symptoms. Flat feet, excessive pronation, or leg length differences can increase pelvic tilt and lumbar stress, making nerve-related pain worse.
At Foot Foundation, we focus on addressing these foot-driven contributors with orthotics, footwear optimisation, and gait retraining, alongside referral for spinal management when needed.
Causes & Risk Factors
Lumbar disc herniation – pressing on the sciatic nerve roots
Spinal degeneration – arthritis, spinal stenosis, or spondylolisthesis
Piriformis syndrome – tight piriformis muscle compressing the sciatic nerve
Leg length discrepancy – causing pelvic tilt and asymmetry
Flat feet or excessive pronation – altering hip and back mechanics
High arches – increasing impact forces through the spine
Occupational risks – heavy lifting, prolonged sitting, or repetitive bending
Previous lower limb injury – altering gait and loading patterns
Treatment at Foot Foundation
Foot & Biomechanical Correction
Custom orthotics – reduce pronation, correct pelvic tilt, and optimise lower limb alignment
Heel lifts – for leg length discrepancies affecting spinal alignment
Footwear advice – cushioned and supportive shoes to improve shock absorption
Load & Activity Management
Modifying aggravating activities (prolonged sitting, repetitive bending)
Encouraging movement and posture awareness
Rehabilitation
Referral to physiotherapy for:
Core strengthening
Glute and hip stabilisation
Neural mobility (“nerve gliding”) exercises
Adjunct Therapies
Shockwave therapy – may help co-existing tendinopathy or soft tissue pain
Manual therapy – soft tissue release around hip and pelvis
Referral – to GP or spine specialist if red flags or severe symptoms present
Symptoms
Shooting or burning pain from the lower back into the leg and foot
Tingling or numbness in the buttock, thigh, calf, or foot
Weakness in the affected leg or foot
Pain worsens with prolonged sitting, standing, or activity
Relief often when lying down or changing position
Sometimes mistaken for hamstring strain or knee/hip pathology
Diagnosis
At Foot Foundation, diagnosis includes:
Comprehensive biomechanical assessment – foot posture, gait, and pelvic alignment
Functional testing – single-leg stance, walking analysis, flexibility testing
Differential diagnosis – ruling out hamstring strain, bursitis, or vascular causes
Referral for imaging – MRI or X-ray if spinal pathology is suspected
Sciatica & Nerve-Related
Pain – FAQs
They can’t cause it directly, but flat feet, pronation, or leg length differences can worsen pelvic tilt and lumbar stress, aggravating nerve pain.
Orthotics correct foot alignment and pelvic balance, reducing rotational strain through the spine.
Sciatica often causes burning, tingling, or numbness down the leg, while hamstring strain causes localised muscle pain.
Yes. Podiatrists address the foot and gait mechanics that drive lumbar and pelvic stress, often an overlooked factor in sciatic pain.
Sometimes mild cases resolve, but persistent or recurrent pain usually requires professional care.
Yes. By improving foot posture and shock absorption, orthotics can reduce stress transferred up to the spine.
If nerve-related pain persists beyond a week, worsens with activity, or radiates into the leg or foot, podiatry assessment is recommended.
Why Choose Foot Foundation?
At Foot Foundation, we focus on the foot-driven mechanics that aggravate sciatica and back pain. Our integrated approach combines:
Custom orthotics
Footwear optimisation
Gait retraining
Rehabilitation integration with physiotherapy
This ensures both pain relief and long-term prevention.
With clinics in Rosedale, Takapuna, Remuera, Botany, Hamilton, and Tauranga, expert care for sciatica and nerve-related pain is available across New Zealand.
