Can sciatica be relieved through steriod shots?

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am wondering what the best treatment is for sciatic pain. Would a steroid shot help? The pain is behind my knee, down the outside of my leg, and now on my foot. -- J.F.

ANSWER: “Sciatica” is a general term for a process that compresses the nerve roots, which causes symptoms such as pain, numbness, tingling, and a loss of reflexes.

The sciatic nerve supplies much of the innervation …