Old Injury or Sciatica? Your Leg Pain After Exercise

Q: Old Injury or Sciatica? Your Leg Pain After Exercise

In response to your question： If you experience discomfort in your left ankle and left buttock simultaneously after exercise, the possible cause could originate from the left buttock, or it may be due to separate conditions that require thorough examination to differentiate. <br>

Is it an old injury or sciatica?

Hello doctor, my left foot used to get sprained often and I didn't rest properly.
After graduating from high school, if I avoid intense exercise, my foot feels fine.
However, after engaging in vigorous activities, I experience discomfort in my left ankle and left buttock while lying in bed.
In high school, I fell and directly hit my buttock.
Could this post-exercise pain be related to an old injury, or is it possibly due to sciatica? If it is sciatica, how should I manage it?

wu wu, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2006/08/11

Dr. Zheng Shunping reply Rehabilitation

In response to your question: If you experience discomfort in your left ankle and left buttock simultaneously after exercise, the possible cause could originate from the left buttock, or it may be due to separate conditions that require thorough examination to differentiate.
Additionally, based on your description, it may not necessarily be a sciatic nerve issue; it could also be related to fascia problems.
I recommend that you visit a rehabilitation medicine clinic for an evaluation to accurately identify the underlying issue.

Reply Date: 2006/08/11

More Info

It sounds like you are experiencing discomfort in your left ankle and left buttock after engaging in intense physical activity, and you are concerned whether this pain is related to an old injury or possibly sciatica. Let's break down your symptoms and explore both possibilities.

First, the history of your left ankle being frequently sprained and the incident of falling and hitting your buttock during high school could contribute to your current discomfort. Repeated ankle sprains can lead to chronic instability, which may cause pain during or after physical activity. This instability can result in compensatory movements that place additional stress on surrounding structures, including the muscles and nerves in your lower back and buttock area.

On the other hand, sciatica is characterized by pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower back through your hips and buttocks and down each leg. Sciatica is often caused by a herniated disk, bone spur on the spine, or narrowing of the spine (spinal stenosis) that compresses part of the nerve. Symptoms can include pain, tingling, or numbness that travels down the leg, and it may worsen with certain movements or prolonged sitting.

Given that your pain occurs specifically after intense exercise, it is plausible that your symptoms are related to the old injury rather than sciatica. However, if the pain radiates down your leg or is accompanied by numbness or tingling, it could indicate nerve involvement, which would warrant further investigation.

Recommendations for Management
1. Rest and Ice: After intense activities, allow your body to recover. Ice the affected areas to reduce inflammation and pain.

2. Physical Therapy: A physical therapist can assess your movement patterns and provide tailored exercises to strengthen the muscles around your ankle and lower back, improving stability and reducing pain. They can also teach you proper techniques to avoid re-injury.

3. Stretching and Strengthening: Incorporate gentle stretching and strengthening exercises into your routine. Focus on the muscles of the ankle, hips, and lower back. This can help alleviate tightness and improve flexibility.

4. Gradual Return to Activity: If you have been inactive, gradually reintroduce exercise. Start with low-impact activities such as swimming or cycling, which place less strain on your joints.

5. Ergonomics and Posture: Pay attention to your posture during daily activities and exercise. Proper alignment can help prevent undue stress on your back and legs.

6. Consult a Specialist: If your symptoms persist or worsen, consider consulting a healthcare professional, such as an orthopedic specialist or a neurologist, to rule out any serious underlying conditions, including sciatica.

Conclusion
In summary, while your symptoms may be related to an old injury, it is essential to monitor your pain and any associated symptoms. If you experience radiating pain, numbness, or tingling, it may be necessary to explore the possibility of sciatica. Engaging in a structured rehabilitation program and being mindful of your activity levels can significantly aid in your recovery and help prevent future injuries. Always listen to your body and seek professional guidance when needed to ensure a safe return to physical activity.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Quadriceps Pain and Weakness After Exercise: Causes and Insights

Hello, doctor. After exercising (weight training) the day before yesterday, I have experienced soreness and weakness in my left quadriceps for the past two days. I have no issues walking or going up and down stairs, but I feel pain and weakness when bending my knee at angles less...

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology
Hello, based on your description, it may be necessary to first consider the issue of tendinitis. However, symptoms caused by nerve compression from a herniated disc cannot be ruled out. A herniated disc can also occur due to sudden injuries, such as twisting the waist abruptly, b...

Is It Sciatica? Understanding Your Hip and Leg Pain Symptoms

Hello, I experience intermittent soreness in the right gluteal area, which feels pressured when sitting for long periods. After sitting for a while, my thighs and calves also feel slightly sore, but standing for a bit helps alleviate the discomfort. The soreness intensifies durin...

Dr. Huang Longde reply Orthopedics
Generally, sciatica is primarily caused by compression of the spinal nerves in the lumbar region, which may result from conditions such as herniated discs, spondylolisthesis, bone spurs, tumors, and other factors. In rare cases, it can also be caused by inflammation of the tendon...

Understanding Pain Above the Knee: Causes and Solutions

I have been consistently exercising, but about a month ago, after running, I started to feel a dull pain below my knee, specifically on the outer side just above the tibia in both legs. There is tenderness upon palpation, but the pain is not located in the knee itself. Interestin...

Dr. Zhang Shengben reply Orthopedics
Hello Amin: This is likely an inflammation of the hip ligaments, commonly seen after injuries from jumping or running activities. Initial treatment should include ice application, rest, and avoiding actions such as running, jumping, or squatting. After three days, apply heat and ...

Understanding Leg Pain After Emergency Braking: Causes and Treatments

On September 14, while riding a bike, I had to brake suddenly, causing the rear wheel to skid. To avoid falling, I instinctively pushed down hard with my left foot, resulting in pain in the muscles on the front side of my left calf and the back side of my left thigh. I also notic...

Dr. Chen Yongxue reply Orthopedics
As mentioned in your letter, it is estimated to be a muscle strain. It is recommended to stop exercising for now, and once the muscle pain improves, you can gradually return to activity. You can start with heat therapy at this stage. Thank you.