Raise one leg and straighten it, toes in the air. Rep on the other side. If your pain, numbness, or tingling leg does not rise as high as the other leg, or if this motion aggravates your symptoms, you most likely have sciatica. The next step is to figure out what's putting strain on your sciatic nerve. Start by looking around your house for anything that may be too tight. Staple guns can cause pain when they're used incorrectly, so remove them from upstairs bathrooms if possible. If you wear high heels, switch to a less painful style. You'll need to wear supportive shoes if you want to avoid further damage to your feet. Make sure you don't go beyond three hours of standing every day. If you must work longer than that, take frequent breaks to stretch your legs. The best way to diagnose sciatica is by having a physical examination by an orthopedic surgeon or neurologist. They can check for any problems with your spine, such as bulging disks or fractures. Your doctor will also ask you about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. This will help identify what parts of your body are being affected by your condition. You should see your doctor if you experience back pain along with leg pain or numbness. It is important to get checked out by a physician if you have any concerns about your health. Your doctor will be able to tell you whether or not you require further testing or treatments.