G57: Mononeuropathies of lower limb

G57.0: Lesion of sciatic nerve

The sciatic nerve runs out from the buttocks and along the back of the thigh. In the thigh, the sciatic nerve branches into two nerves that run to the foot. The sciatic nerve controls various muscles in the leg. It enables us to bend our knee joint, stretch our leg backwards, and raise and lower our foot, for example.

When the sciatic nerve is damaged, it can cause pain, tingling or a numbness in the lower leg or in the foot, for example. The person may also no longer be able to bend their knee very well, or be able to stretch their leg backwards so well. They may also no longer be able to raise or lower their foot so well.

The sciatic nerve may be damaged as a result of pressure, for example. The damage may be lasting or temporary.