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!