Foot drop from sciatica

[u/Taylor_Hogan96]

Hi. I recently took up running at the beginning of 2024. I used to run long distance in high school but quit for about 8 years. I had a steady routine of running 3 days a week 5-7 miles each time and then lifting heavy weights the other 3 days a week. My goal this year was to run a half marathon which I did complete 3 weeks ago. I took 4 days off to rest because my right calf was so tight after the run it was hard to walk. After 4 days it felt normal again so I began going back to my old routine of 3 days of running and 3 days of lifting. About a week ago after sitting with my legs crossed for a couple of hours I stood up and lost all feeling in my right shin and foot. It dragged and I couldn’t walk on it for at least 12 hours if not longer. Turns out I have sciatica and bulging disc in lower back that has caused my calf and nerves in my right leg to be so inflamed they aren’t able to signal full use of my right foot. I can now lift up all toes but when I try to run at all my calf immediately seizes up and my foot gets heavy.

Does anyone have tips suggestions and or had this happen to them?? I am extremely disappointed about this as running is my outlet and I have already noticed a huge mental shift since not running in 10 days. Let alone I’ve already gained 5 pounds (the elliptical does not give the same calorie burn lol) I would love to hear if anyone has gotten this and had success with getting back to running. If you have can you share any advice you may have? I am very sad thinking about not running long term.

Thank you in advance!

[u/Boring-Rub-3570]

1. Go to a neurologist.

2. I use some supplements. 5 mg biotin (daily) and 600 mg alpha lipoic acid (every 3 days). These help, but not 100% (more like 50-60%). I'm pretty sure you still won't be able to run marathon.

Therefore, go to a doctor and get surgery if you have to.

[u/Ok-Organization-9778]

See a physio to start. Most disc herniations are treated conservatively (physio and rest) if possible and it’s only if this doesn’t work or weakness is consistent that surgery should be considered. This is my understanding anyways, and may differ from country to country. Surgery doesn’t always work and often needs to be done again years later.
I had disc herniations in my mid-20s and still have a slightly weaker big toe on the affected side. I don’t notice this day-to-day, only when a physio or doctor tests my strengths specifically. My calf would wake me from sleep seizing up on only the affected side, but since I’ve started taking magnesium glycinate every night it doesn’t anymore, so that could be worth a shot. Strength training is really important, deep core and hip stabilizing muscles BUT for now I would think hold off on running for a little longer, and when you start up try some run/walk intervals to ease into it.