Sciatica and leg symptoms
Why does leg pain change when I sit or walk?
Tell me what happens to the leg symptoms on a drive, when you stand up, and once you start walking. I want to know where the sensation travels and what brings it on.
What I look at first
I ask where the symptoms travel and check strength, sensation and movement as appropriate. I may compare the same motion with a different sitting position or level of support. A change gives us a way to reassess the symptom while considering the rest of the exam.
Bring the position that brings on the leg symptoms and tell me what usually eases them.
How the research informs the visit
A review of 24 trials found wide differences in who was studied and what treatment they received. That limits confidence about which physical therapy interventions help most.1 I use the exam and your response to guide the next step, then track changes in sitting or walking between visits.
When to get urgent help. Get emergency care for new numbness around the genitals or anus, new difficulty passing or controlling urine or stool, or severe or worsening weakness or numbness in both legs.2