Home Remedies for a Pinched Nerve in the Leg

A pinched nerve in the leg can cause pain, weakness or numbness in the affected extremity 2. Pinched nerves result from overuse, obesity, nerve disorders or injury, according to the Mayo Clinic 2. Once a medical evaluation by a health care professional is complete and a diagnosis of pinched nerve assigned, many simple home remedies provide relief of these symptoms and allow a return to previous functioning 2.

Rest

The Mayo Clinic suggests resting the affected extremity during the daytime as well as during sleep. Frequently, over-use of the appendage is the cause of the pinched nerve 2. Resting the leg gives the tissues time to heal without having to bear body weight. Relaxing in warm water can have an anti-gravity effect as well, allowing tension relief in the surrounding muscles and tendons.

Splinting

Depending on where the pinched nerve is located in the leg, splinting the extremity may be a viable home treatment option 2. Especially in joint areas such as the knees and groin, reducing the amount of flexion allowed in these structures may relieve the pressure on the surrounding nerves. Splinting will also decrease further wear and tear on the affected nerves.

Anti-Inflammatory Medications

Leg nerves are sometimes mechanically pinched due to inflammation within the leg itself. The offending structures, including surrounding muscles, tissues and bones, apply pressure to the affected nerve bundle. An effective home-remedy is over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications. These medications, including ibuprofen and acetaminophen, are inexpensive and readily available at commercial drug markets. Use them according to label instructions.