Is pain in the sitbone/sacrum area with pressure down the back of the legs causing foot numbness related to nerve issues or muscle stiffness in PPMS?
The symptoms you're describing—pain in the sitbone/sacrum area with pressure radiating down the back of your legs and causing foot numbness—could involve both nerve-related Show Full Answer
Is pain in the sitbone/sacrum area with pressure down the back of the legs causing foot numbness related to nerve issues or muscle stiffness in PPMS?
The symptoms you're describing—pain in the sitbone/sacrum area with pressure radiating down the back of your legs and causing foot numbness—could involve both nerve-related issues and muscle stiffness, which are common in PPMS.
Possible nerve-related causes include:
- Piriformis syndrome: This occurs when the piriformis muscle (a small muscle deep in the buttocks) becomes tight or injured, compressing the sciatic nerve. This can cause numbness and tingling along the back of the legs. It's more common in people with MS due to factors like physical inactivity from fatigue and poor posture from prolonged sitting or lying down.
- Sciatica: Prolonged pressure on spinal nerves can cause shooting pain down the leg and numbness in the feet. This pressure might come from positioning or spinal issues.
Muscle stiffness and spasticity can also contribute:
- Spasticity in PPMS causes muscles to feel stiff and heavy due to disrupted nerve signals. This can affect your posture and put extra strain on nerves and soft tissues.
- Limited mobility and prolonged sitting can worsen muscle tightness, which may compress nerves and contribute to numbness.
When to contact your doctor:
If you're experiencing worsening numbness, new weakness in your legs, or any bladder or bowel changes, it's important to speak with your neurologist promptly. They can perform a physical and neurological exam to determine whether nerve compression, muscle issues, or both are causing your symptoms.
March 30
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