According to MedlinePlus, sciatica is a condition where the patient complains of pain, weakness, numbness or tingling in the leg. It is a symptom of a medical problem, which occurs when the sciatic nerve gets compressed or injured. The sciatic nerve begins in the spine and runs down the back of each leg. This leads to the development of pain that can range from mild to almost crippling. The pain usually occurs on one side and may be accompanied with numbness in some parts of the leg. According to MayoClinic.com, complications from sciatica may involve a partial or complete loss of leg movement, partial or complete loss of sensation in the leg, and loss of bladder or bowel control.
Partial or Complete Loss of Leg Movement
MedlinePlus reports loss of leg movement as a complication of sciatica. Since this condition affects the nerve that controls the back of the leg muscles, it can cause problems where the leg muscles do not work or move properly. This loss of muscle function can be partial or total. The complete loss of muscle movement in the leg is called paralysis of the legs.
Partial or Complete Loss of Sensation in the Leg
According to MedlinePlus, another complication of sciatica is numbness in the affected leg. Numbness can be felt on the hip, the back of the calf and even on the sole of the foot. Due to a loss of sensation, the affected leg feels weak and movement may become difficult. Numbness combined with a partial loss of movement in the leg may require emergency treatment.
Loss of Bowel or Bladder Function
According to MayoClinic.com, a complication of sciatica is the loss of bowel or bladder function. Since the sciatic nerve runs down the buttock, it can affect a patient's bowel or bladder functions. In cases of severe pain in acute sciatica, the patient may lose control of bladder or bowel functions and may need to be hospitalized. MedlinePlus reports that in some cases of sciatica, surgery may be required to help the patient get back the control of bowel or bladder function.
