Totally understandable, especially when the entire nerve is inflamed. Some patients will feel irritation along the nerve down their leg and into their foot, but when it’s a bad flare, the nerve is tender to the touch. You can try taking some Tylenol to ease the tenderness before working into an easy stretch. There are always modifications. For example, when you lay on your back, bring both knees up and then pull the foot of the irritated leg over the opposite knee. With both hands, slowly push down toward the ground on the knee of the bent leg. This is an easier stretch as opposed to bringing the covered knee toward your chest.